Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for palliating gastrointestinal strictures using rapid exchange type enteral stent placement catheters. The catheter may include an inner member and an outer member, with the two members being slidable with respect to one another. In various device embodiments, a ramp for directing a guidewire out from within the catheter is provided using portions of the outer member or a shaped mandrel. The inner member may take a number of forms, including a tubular distal portion, a skived or integrally attached elongate midsection, and a proximal portion. A mandrel can be used in a portion proximal of the guidewire ramp, with the mandrel taking one of several disclosed forms.

Abstract: A rapid exchange balloon catheter has a short rapid exchange length for faster catheter exchanges the balloon catheter includes a balloon structure having a balloon leg connected to a catheter shaft. Marker bands may be provided in the balloon leg for facilitating measurement of a dimension of physiological features. A stiffening wire extending longitudinally at least partially into the balloon leg may be provided to supplement and control the flexibility characteristics of the balloon leg.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter is disclosed having a single lumen proximal shaft portion with a helical coil or helically cut hypotube component extending within a lumen thereof. The helical coil or helically cut hypotube component provides stiffness and pushability to the catheter. A proximal end of helical coil or helically cut hypotube component is attached within a luer fitting at a proximal end of the proximal shaft portion, such that the helical coil or helically cut hypotube component extends within the proximal shaft lumen in a somewhat cantilevered arrangement unsupported and unattached at any point along its length with the proximal shaft portion. As such, the helical coil or helically cut hypotube component moves independent of the proximal shaft portion to adjust to the twists and turns of the vasculature independent of the proximal shaft portion.

Abstract: A balloon catheter or stent delivery system for medical treatment of a patient has a proximal hub, a balloon, and an improved shaft design. The catheter shaft has a rapid-exchange configuration, and a tubular outer body that includes a hypotube extending from the catheter proximal end to a position at or near a proximal leg of the balloon. An inner tubular body defines a guidewire lumen extending from a distal guidewire port at the catheter distal end to a proximal port located at a position between the balloon and the hub. A distal leg of the balloon is directly or indirectly affixed to the inner body, and a proximal leg of the balloon is affixed to the distal end of the outer body. The hypotube has an aperture for accepting the inner body proximal end, and a circumferential cut pattern. The cut pattern adds flexibility, and may extend from the hypotube distal end to a position proximal of the proximal guidewire port.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention provides a catheter suitable for use in performing a procedure within a vessel, lumen or organ of a living having a distal end which is steerable, such as upon the application of compression. The catheter may be of the over the wire type, or alternatively may be a rapid exchange catheter. The catheter may provide for a rotating element which may be used to open a clogged vessel, or alternatively to provide information about adjacent tissues, such as may be generated by imaging or guiding arrangements using tissue detection systems known in the art, e.g., ultrasound, optical coherence reflectometry, etc. For rapid exchange catheters having a rotating element, there is provided an offset drive assembly to allow the rotary force to be directed from alongside the guidewire to a location coaxial to and over the guidewire.

Abstract: In an assemble of a balloon catheters (2, 3), there are provided an elongate lumen tube (21, 31), a balloon portion (22, 32) provided at a distal end of the elongate lumen tube (21, 31) and a terminal tool (23, 33) placed at proximal ends of the balloon catheters (2, 3). The balloon catheters (2, 3) have inner tubes (25, 35) into which a guide wire (10) is inserted, and having outer tubes (27, 37) around the inner tubes (25, 35) to be in communication with balloons (B) of the balloon portions (22, 32). The elongate lumen tubes (21, 31) join the balloon catheters (2, 3) together in integral therewith. Latitudinal cross sections of the outer tubes (27, 37) are substantially a semi-circular, fan-like or trapezoidal or oval configuration, otherwise the cross sections are a trapezoidal or rectangular configuration with one lateral side deformed into an arcuate configuration.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and method includes a multi-lumen portion having a guide wire lumen and an inflation/deployment lumen. The guide wire lumen includes a distal guide wire lumen portion having a rapid exchange guide wire port, and a proximal guide wire lumen portion rotatable to selectively expose the rapid exchange guide wire port. The inflation/deployment lumen includes a rotatable seal which facilitates rotation of the proximal guide wire lumen portion.

Abstract: A hypotube for an intravenous catheter device is disclosed which includes a tubular shaft having a tubular wall defining a lumen. The shaft includes a main section integrally connected to a distal section. The distal section includes a first section connected to the second section and disposed between the second section and the main section. The second section includes an elongated stinger.

Abstract: A catheter having one or more radially expanded portions that comprise a guidewire lumen. The guidewire lumen and the main lumen of the catheter are not separate and share the same fluid space. The catheter maintains a large, circular lumen for aspiration or delivery. The catheter is made by lacing a guidewire lumen mandrel through openings made in the catheter shaft and then forcing the shaft to expand radially to create a guidewire lumen.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a catheter that acts as both a rapid-exchange (RX) catheter and a multi-exchange (MX) catheter. The catheter includes a proximal shaft, transition shaft, distal shaft, and catheter conversion shaft. Attached to the distalmost tip of the conversion shaft is a clip. The clip allows the conversion shaft to be detachably secured to the transition shaft while the catheter and a guidewire are both in situ. When the clip attaches to the transition shaft, a clip port in the clip aligns with an exchange joint in the transition shaft. In doing so, the catheter conversion shaft and a guide member act to allow the guidewire to be accessible through a guidewire exit of the guide member. The guide member is slidable along the catheter conversion shaft such that the catheter is usable as a MX catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an inflation shaft and an elongated guidewire shaft. A relatively short, distal portion of the guidewire shaft is attached to, or enveloped within, a distal portion of the inflation shaft. A proximal portion of the guidewire shaft is detached from and independent of a proximal portion of the inflation shaft. The detached portion of the guidewire shaft contains perforations at pre-determined points along its length that define removable segments thereof. The removable segments remain attached to the guidewire shaft under normal conditions, but may be torn away from the guidewire shaft to provide access to a guidewire within a guidewire lumen thereof.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, and preferably to a rapid exchange type balloon catheter, having a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, the outer tubular member having a section which is bonded as by fusing or otherwise bonding. The bonded section extends along a thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member at the rapid exchange junction. A reinforcing member or tube extends within at least a section of the bonded section of the outer tubular member. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tube extends within at least a section of the thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member. The configuration provides a rapid exchange junction with improved kink resistance and flexibility for excellent trackability, and with a minimal decrease in the size of the inflation lumen at the rapid exchange junction for an improved shortened balloon inflation/deflation time.

Abstract: A guidewire exit tool includes a pin that is insertable into a guidewire channel of a rapid exchange-type catheter. The pin has at least one tapered end that urges a guidewire out of a slit in guidewire channel. In one embodiment the exit tool has an oval handle that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pin such that the tool can be easily grasped and moved along the guidewire channel.

Abstract: The medical balloon catheter of the present invention comprises a catheter shaft composed of a distal end shaft and a proximal end shaft and a balloon on the distal end of the distal end shaft, wherein the proximal end shaft is composed of a single member and the distal end portion of the proximal end shaft is lower in rigidity than the other parts thereof. The present invention also provides a medical balloon catheter having a structure in which a tube for passing a guidewire inside thereof is arranged so as to pass inside the balloon and the balloon and tube are fused together in the vicinity of the distal end of the catheter, wherein the ratio of the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion on the distal end side of the tube to the outer diameter of the proximal end portion is no less than 0.85.

Abstract: A catheter is insertable into a vessel within a mammalian body. The catheter includes a tubular body, at least one channel extending along the tubular body, and a central lumen. The tubular body includes an exterior surface, a first end and a second end, and defines a length between the first end and the second end. The channel passes between a first opening and a second opening and includes a slot in the tubular body between the channel and the exterior surface of the tubular body such that a tubular member can be passed between the channel and the exterior surface. The slot extends from the first opening to the second opening and includes a pair of edges. The central lumen extends along the tubular body at least for a portion of the length of the tubular body.

Abstract: A catheter and a guidewire exchange system includes a catheter and a guide member. The catheter includes a lumen extending through the shaft and sized to receive the guidewire, and a longitudinal guideway enabling transverse access from the shaft exterior surface to the lumen. The guide member includes a housing, a catheter passageway extending through the housing and adapted to slidably receive the catheter, a guidewire passageway extending from one end of the housing into the catheter passageway and including a tube adapted to merge the guidewire transversely through the guideway and into the first lumen, a rigid nose cone attached to the housing and having an aperture extending therethrough that is continuous with the catheter passageway and adapted to slidably receive the catheter, and a first gasket positioned in line with the catheter passageway and tightenable to impede catheter movement through the catheter passageway.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including an elongated shaft having an inflation lumen, a guidewire lumen, a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with a balloon on the distal shaft section, the distal shaft section formed by an outer tubular member having an opening in a sidewall, and an inner tubular member having a distal portion in the outer tubular member and a proximal portion extending through the sidewall opening and along an outer surface of a portion of the outer tubular member located proximal to the sidewall opening, with polymeric filler material around the outer surface of at least the proximal portion of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member preferably comprises a polymeric tube having a reinforcing coiled member embedded therein. Preferably, a crescent shaped portion of the inflation lumen extends along side the proximal portion of the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A catheter to be used without a guidewire which includes a support wire shaft formed of metal, a balloon mounted on a distal portion of the catheter, and an inflation shaft for inflating the balloon, wherein a core wire may be interchangeably inserted into the support wire shaft when the catheter is within a human body to change the stiffness and improve control thereof. In one embodiment, the portion of the support wire shaft that extends just proximal of, through and distal of the balloon is formed entirely of a metal wound coil. The flexibility characteristics of this support wire shaft can be controlled by varying the pitch of the wound coil and the thickness of the wire or ribbon it is made from. An overjacket is also provided on the metal wound coil portion to hold pressure within the inflation lumen and provide a suitable material for bonding a distal end of the balloon to the support wire shaft.

Abstract: The catheter 1 of the present invention has a tubular catheter body 2 made from a metal material. A groove 21 is formed in the outer periphery of the catheter body 2 in the longitudinal direction. This groove 21 is formed by plastically transforming the tubular wall of the catheter body 2 by plastic treatment. Thus, there is provided a catheter which has excellent followability and high ease of operation while maintaining torque transmissibility and pushability.

Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprises an inner member and an expandable balloon mounted in a collapsed state on the inner member, the expandable balloon having a first and a second end. A compressible stent having a first diameter is mounted in a compressed state around the expandable balloon between the first and second ends of the balloon. At least a first retainer pillow is formed in the expandable balloon at its first end and has an outer diameter which is at least substantially equal to the diameter of the compressed stent. A first pillow support member is mounted on the inner member and supports the first retainer pillow to maintain the pillow's outer diameter.

Abstract: A catheter having a polymeric reinforcing member at a junction between shaft sections such as a rapid exchange catheter junction. The polymeric reinforcing member is around or within the tubular member defining the inflation lumen or the tubular member defining the guidewire lumen at the rapid exchange junction to prevent or inhibit damage to the tubular members defining the inflation lumen and/or guidewire lumen during assembly or use of a balloon catheter. In one embodiment, the polymeric reinforcing member is formed of a first polymeric material having a glass transition temperature greater than a glass transition temperature of a second polymeric material forming the distal portion of the proximal tubular member or the proximal portion of the inner tubular member. The first polymeric material forming the polymeric reinforcing member is preferably a high temperature, high modulus material, such as polyimide, and most preferably a thermoset polyimide.

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: The invention is a dilation catheter which comprises an elongated catheter shaft, a guide wire tube, and an angioplasty balloon. The distal end of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the guide wire tube, and the proximal portion of the balloon is attached to the distal portion of the catheter shaft. A stiffening wire is attached to the inner wall of the catheter shaft at a plurality of points along its length. The distal extremity of the guide wire tube is decreased in size relative to the proximal portion of the guide wire tube. A fluid is contained within the guide wire lumen.

Abstract: A flexible catheter for insertion into a body lumen, comprises a guide wire lumen extending from a distal port at a distal end of the catheter to a proximal port separated from a proximal end of the catheter and a stiffening member extending from the proximal port to a proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A convertible balloon catheter for use as either an over-the-wire catheter or a rapid exchange catheter, comprising a flexible outer shaft, flexible inner shaft, angioplasty balloon, and bifurcate hub. The inner shaft is comprised of a relatively elastic, deformable material and forms an inflation lumen. The inner inflation shaft is attached to the outer shaft, and has a cross section that is radially collapsible to increase the size of a full-length guide wire lumen formed between an outer surface of the inner shaft and an inner surface of the outer shaft. Formed in the outer shaft is a hatch, which covers a guide wire port. The hatch has a perforated peripheral edge which allows the hatch to be removed. The balloon is simply constructed with essentially four components, which significantly reduces the labor required for assembly.

Abstract: A catheter includes a sheath main body portion, a first lumen, a sheath distal end portion, and a second lumen. The sheath main body portion is inserted into an organism. The first lumen is a passage provided in the sheath main body portion and through which a guide wire for guiding the sheath main body portion in an organism can be passed. The sheath distal end portion is provided on a lateral side of a distal end portion of the sheath main body portion. The second lumen is a passage different from the first lumen, provided in the sheath distal end portion, and through which a guide wire can be passed. The catheter can have both ease of exchange of catheter, which is the merit of an RX type catheter, and distal end pushing force transmission performance (pushability), which is the merit of an OTW type catheter.

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 catheter shaft for a catheter includes a centrally-located guidewire lumen. A body portion of the catheter shaft includes arc-shaped nodes that define a guidewire track within the guidewire lumen. The nodes include a crown region that includes a single contact point for the guidewire and may be formed of a material having a lower coefficient of friction. At least one node has an inflation lumen extending therethrough. The catheter shaft has a cut in it extending radially from the guidewire lumen to an exterior surface of the catheter shaft. The balloon catheter has a guide member that opens the cut and tracks the guidewire in and out of the catheter shaft along a length of the catheter shaft which is cut.

Abstract: Apparatus for introduction into the vessel of a patient comprising a guiding catheter adapted to be inserted into the vessel of the patient and a device adapted to be inserted into the guiding catheter. The device includes a flexible elongate member and a sleeve carried by the flexible elongate member near the distal extremity thereof and extending from a region near the distal extremity to a region spaced from the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. The device also includes a guide wire adapted to extend through the sleeve so that the guide wire extends rearwardly of the sleeve extending alongside of and exteriorally of the flexible elongate element into a region near the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate element.

Abstract: A catheter and guide wire exchange system including a catheter that has a guide wire lumen with a guide way extending along a length of the proximal shaft. A guide member is slidably disposed about the proximal shaft for directing a guide wire into or out of the guide way and the guide wire lumen. A transition section joins the bilumen proximal shaft to a coaxial distal shaft.

Abstract: A catheter and guide wire exchange system including a catheter that has a guide wire lumen with a guide way extending along a length of the proximal shaft. A guide member is slidably disposed about the proximal shaft for directing a guide wire into or out of the guide way and the guide wire lumen. A transition section joins the trilumen proximal shaft to a coaxial distal shaft.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, and preferably to a rapid exchange type balloon catheter, having a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, the outer tubular member having a section which is bonded as by fusing or otherwise bonding. The bonded section extends along a thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member at the rapid exchange junction. A reinforcing member or tube extends within at least a section of the bonded section of the outer tubular member. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tube extends within at least a section of the thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member. The configuration provides a rapid exchange junction with improved kink resistance and flexibility for excellent trackability, and with a minimal decrease in the size of the inflation lumen at the rapid exchange junction for an improved shortened balloon inflation/deflation time.

Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter which includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member slidably disposed thereon. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member have rapid exchange type guide wire openings. The guide wire opening of the outer tubular member is preferably shorter in length than the guide wire opening of the inner tubular member to protect the inner workings of the catheter. The outer tubular member may include a guide wire access sleeve having a guide wire ramp extending into the guide wire lumen of the inner tubular member. The guide wire sleeve may be a separate component from the remainder of the outer tubular member to facilitate efficient manufacture.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, and preferably to a rapid exchange type balloon catheter, having a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, the outer tubular member having a section which is bonded as by fusing or otherwise bonding. The bonded section extends along a thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member at the rapid exchange junction. A reinforcing member or tube extends within at least a section of the bonded section of the outer tubular member. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tube extends within at least a section of the thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member. The configuration provides a rapid exchange junction with improved kink resistance and flexibility for excellent trackability, and with a minimal decrease in the size of the inflation lumen at the rapid exchange junction for an improved shortened balloon inflation/deflation time.

Abstract: A catheter shaft for a balloon catheter includes a centrally-located guidewire lumen. A body portion of the catheter shaft includes arc-shaped nodes that define a guidewire track within the guidewire lumen. Each node provides a single contact point for a guidewire within the guidewire lumen, thereby limiting frictional contact due to “rolling” friction, rather than “sliding” friction, between the catheter shaft and an inserted guidewire. The nodes include a crown region that includes the contact point. The crown region may be formed of a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the remaining portion of the catheter shaft. At least one node has an inflation lumen extending therethrough. The inflation lumen is in fluid communication with an interior of an inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongated shaft having at least a section which is multilayered with a first layer and a second layer secured to the first layer, and a mandrel having at least a section between the first and second layers. In one presently preferred embodiment, the mandrel is in contact with an outer surface of the first layer and with an inner surface of the second layer.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an intravascular temporary occlusion balloon catheter that can itself function as a guidewire, has superior maneuverability suitable for highly tortuous or branched blood vessels such as coronary or cerebral arteries, can be inserted into the blood vessel over the guidewire, and can be sufficiently inserted into the peripheral region of the blood vessel. The present invention includes a balloon composed of a highly tensile material having an elongation at break of 300% to 1,100% and a shaft composed of a highly elastic material and having an outer diameter in the range of 0.014 in. to 0.018 in. and a bending modulus of at least 1 GPa, wherein a lumen for tracking the guidewire is provided at a catheter distal-end portion only.

Abstract: Rapid exchange angioplasty catheters and methods of constructing rapid exchange angioplasty catheters including features that provide good pushability and kink resistance. In an illustrative embodiment, a catheter is provided, the illustrative catheter including a proximal hypotube section, which connects to a more distal braided catheter section. The braided catheter section connects to a midshaft portion that includes a guidewire entry port. Distal of the midshaft portion is a distal section having a cutting balloon disposed thereon. An inflation lumen extends the length of the catheter, while a guidewire lumen extends only from the guidewire entry port to the distal end of the catheter. Optionally, a core wire may extend across the joint from the hypotube, to the braided catheter section, and past the guidewire entry port.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, and preferably to a rapid exchange type balloon catheter, having a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, the outer tubular member having a section which is bonded as by fusing or otherwise bonding. The bonded section extends along a thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member at the rapid exchange junction. A reinforcing member or tube extends within at least a section of the bonded section of the outer tubular member. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tube extends within at least a section of the thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member. The configuration provides a rapid exchange junction with improved kink resistance and flexibility for excellent trackability, and with a minimal decrease in the size of the inflation lumen at the rapid exchange junction for an improved shortened balloon inflation/deflation time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical catheter, and more particularly, a balloon catheter having an auxiliary lumen configured to permit the advancement of a functional measurement wire to a treatment site. The auxiliary lumen communicates with a working lumen that is configured to permit the advancement of a guidewire and the functional measurement wire, so that the guidewire and functional measurement wire may selectively be advanced to the treatment site during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises an inner tube, a medical balloon and an inflation lumen. The medical balloon is disposed about the inner tube and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A collapsible portion of the inner tube is constructed to collapse inward upon delivery of an inflation fluid to the medical balloon to secure the inner tube to the guidewire.

Abstract: A stent delivery system is comprised of an elongated flexible advancement member which terminates in a tubular tracking member slidable over a guidewire. An inflatable balloon has proximal and distal ends, the proximal end communicating with an inflation channel, and the distal end attaching to the tracking member. The balloon portion is coextensive with but not attached to the advancement member, which is external to the balloon. A stent is positioned around the inflatable balloon, and when the balloon is inflated, the stent expands radially. The outer surface of the expanded stent has one or more projections that enhance retention of the stent.

Abstract: A catheter provided with an adjustable length guidewire catheter lumen, located proximal of a therapeutic device or agent positioned at the distal end of the catheter. The length of the adjustable length guidewire catheter lumen is controlled by the physician, allowing the benefits of both over-the-wire and rapid exchange systems to be provided in one catheter. The adjustable length is provided with a thin-walled tube that corrugates under axial compression. The tube may optionally be pre-corrugated or may be allowed to corrugate non-uniformly under the axial compression. The catheter length may change by, for example, over 100% of its original length between full axial compression and full axial extension.

Abstract: An over-the-wire balloon dilatation catheter has a stainless steel hypotube catheter shaft, an intermediate sleeve section bonded to the shaft and a distal balloon section connected to the sleeve section. The sleeve section is formed from relatively flexible polymer materials and includes an inner core tube which defines a guide wire lumen extending only through a distal portion of the catheter (including its sleeve and balloon sections) to facilitate fast balloon catheter exchanges. A distal end of the hypotube shaft is crimped laterally and the core tube is nested and bonded within the crimp to provide a proximal outlet for the guide wire lumen. The hypotube shaft provides an inflation lumen for the balloon, with the inflation lumen being continued as an annular inflation lumen through the sleeve section where an outer sleeve is bonded about the core tube and extends from the distal end of the hypotube shaft to the balloon section.

Abstract: A catheter and guide wire exchange system including a catheter that has a guide wire lumen with a guide way extending along a length of the proximal shaft. A guide member is slidably disposed about the proximal shaft for directing a guide wire into or out of the guide way and the guide wire lumen. A transition section joins the trilumen proximal shaft to a coaxial distal shaft.

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 flexible catheter for insertion into a body lumen, comprises a guide wire lumen extending from a distal port at a distal end of the catheter to a proximal port separated from a proximal end of the catheter and a stiffening member extending from the proximal port to a proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, and preferably to a rapid exchange type balloon catheter, having a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member, the outer tubular member having a section which is bonded as by fusing or otherwise bonding. The bonded section extends along a thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member at the rapid exchange junction. A reinforcing member or tube extends within at least a section of the bonded section of the outer tubular member. In one embodiment, the reinforcing tube extends within at least a section of the thickened wall portion of the outer tubular member. The configuration provides a rapid exchange junction with improved kink resistance and flexibility for excellent trackability, and with a minimal decrease in the size of the inflation lumen at the rapid exchange junction for an improved shortened balloon inflation/deflation time.