Abstract: An apparatus and method for percutaneous placement of access tubes, such as feeding and drainage tubes, vascular catheters, and the like, comprises an elastic access tube in an internal stylet. The stylet is received within a central lumen of the access tube and is used to axially elongate the tube, resulting in a reduced diameter. In a first embodiment, the diameter of the access tube is reduced sufficiently so that it can be placed through a relatively narrow penetration and so that it will radially expand by an amount sufficient to cause a tight anchor and seal against the penetration when the stylet is removed. In a second embodiment, the stylet has a sharpened distal tip which extends beyond the distal end of the access tube when in its axially extended configuration. The sharpened tip allows self-introduction of the assembly of access tube and stylet. In a third embodiment, a distal portion of the access tube is covered with a lubricous sheath.

Abstract: A mechanically expandable retractor for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractor has an expanding portion at its distal end for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The expanding portion includes a plurality of radially expanding The radially outermost surface of each arm when expanded is longitudinally disposed approximately at the distal end of the retractor. The expanding arms can be disposed irregularly circumferentially around the retractor to expand the tissues to provide a working space between adjacent arms. The retractor is inserted through a small percutaneous opening, expanded in sub-surface tissues without significantly damaging the tissue, then collapsed after use for removal. The retractor has a projecting portion at a proximal end of the retractor for manipulating the retractor, to allow the surgeon to push or pull or lever on tissue.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter includes a catheter body and an expansion section disposed at the distal end of the catheter body. This section is operable between a low profile state which facilitates insertion of the catheter into a body conduit, and a high profile state which facilitates occlusion of the body conduit by the catheter. An elastomeric sleeve disposed to be carried outwardly by the expansion section forms a continuous concave surface for occluding the body conduit.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having an expandable region formed of hypotubes mounted on the distal end of a tubular member that is capable of delivering a drug to the artery and radial expansion and contraction by means of a control wire. Each of the hypotubes has at least one surface aperture and the lumen of each of the hypotubes is in fluid communication with a drug delivery lumen. A therapeutic drug is injected into the patient's vasculature through the apertures in the hypotubes. The catheter is particularly adapted to hold open an artery after a vascular procedure therein such as a balloon angioplasty or other types of vascular procedures, and if desired to introduce a drug to the site of the vascular procedure.

Abstract: A multipolar electrode catheter includes a central and four side electrodes at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode wherein the side electrodes are arranged around the tubular catheter outer surface to an expanded mode. A plurality of longitudinal slits in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the distal end so that the side electrodes are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the side electrodes lie in the same plane and equally spaced from adjacent electrodes. Electrode leads connected to the electrodes enable the electrodes to be used both for mapping and ablation of endocardial sites.

Abstract: A multipolar electrode catheter includes a central and a plurality of side electrodes at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode wherein the side electrodes are arranged around the tubular catheter outer surface to an expanded mode substantially coplanar with the central electrode. A plurality of longitudinal slits in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the distal end so that the side electrodes are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the side electrodes lie in the same plane and equally spaced from adjacent electrodes. Electrode leads connected to the electrodes enable the electrodes to be used both for mapping and ablation of endocardial sites.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use in initial placement of a gastrostomy device in a patient includes an obturator, a cannula and an outer flexible tubular member. A pointed end of the obturator and an adjacent dilator cooperate to incise a tract through the abdominal and stomach walls of the patient. The obturator is removed, leaving the cannula and outer tubular member in place. A deformable section of the flexible tubular member is expanded by movement of the cannula. The outwardly deformed section is then pulled up against the inner wall of the stomach wherein the thickness of the stomach and abdominal walls can be measured by use of visible scale indicia carried on the external surface of the flexible tubular member. Subsequent to the noted measurement, a guidewire or pull wire is passed through a lumen provided by the cannula. The guidewire is used for placing a gastrostomy device of suitable size in the incised tract.

Abstract: A retractor for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractor has a mechanical expanding portion for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The retractor also has a fluid-operated expanding portion, which may be independently controllable, for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The retractor is inserted through a small percutaneous opening, expanded in sub-surface tissues without significantly damaging the tissue, then collapsed after use for removal. The retractor can be manipulated to allow the surgeon to push or pull or lever on tissue. The retractor can be hollow like a cannula to per,nit the passage of one or more surgical devices through the retractor, with a side portal into the center of the retractor.

Abstract: A catheter with a retractable anchor mechanism for providing drugs and/or electrical stimulation to the human body. The catheter has a flexible tubular casing consisting of a outer member and an inner member which enclose at least one lumen. The retractable anchor mechanism is located near the distal end of the catheter and is moveable from a first extended position to a second retracted position. A capture member is connected to the anchor mechanism. The capture member has a socket portion and a necked down portion for guiding the enlarged tip of a stylet into the socket portion for releasable engagement therewith. The anchor mechanism is moved from the first extended position to the second retracted position by inserting a stylet and applying pressure in the distal direction and is moved from the second retracted position to the first extended position by partially withdrawing the stylet thereby applying pressure in the proximal direction.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical retractor instrument is presented which has a laterally collapsible and expandable self-hinging truss support platform carried by a sleeve and extension member. The sleeve is slideably carried by the extension member and consists of first and second arcuate sections which are radially and oppositely carried by the extension member and captively contained thereon by the inner surface of a housing cavity. The housing has a distal barrier adjacent its distal end which defines a limit to the distal axial displacement of the sleeve relative to the housing. Upon engagement of the distal barrier by the sleeve, the continued distal axial displacement of the extension member will cause expander struts in the truss support platform to expand the platform's outer struts laterally thereby opening the truss.

Abstract: A cannula having a sleeve with a body having proximal and distal ends and defining a through passageway. First structure is provided on the body to define a first shoulder to abut a tissue wall through which the body extends. Second structure is provided on the body to define a second shoulder to abut a tissue wall through which the body extends. The first and second structures are spaced from each other to permit the first and second shoulders to abut separate, spaced tissue walls through which the body extends.

Abstract: A tissue gripping device for use with a cannula. The device includes a housing member which has a generally cylindrical shape and is provided with a plurality of slots about its circumference. A cannula locking collet and collar are provided along with a tissue gripping member so that the entire device fits over a cannula and is secured thereto. Once the cannula is positioned in the body wall of a patient, the tissue gripping member is moved towards the housing member so that a plurality of finger-like expansion members protrude through the slots in the housing member to anchor the tissue gripping device and the cannula in place for a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method for use in laparascopic surgery comprises the steps of (a) piercing an abdominal skin surface of a patient to form a hole in the skin surface, (b) inserting through the hole a tensile member, (c) lifting the abdominal wall of the patient away from a backside of the patient by exerting tension on the tensile member, and (d) drawing air into the abdominal cavity of the patient during the step of lifting.

Abstract: An intravascular treatment apparatus provides means for infusing a treatment site with an agent and means for positioning the delivery interface against the treatment site which operate independently of one another. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a flexible body having a deflectable support frame at its distal end. A plurality of platforms, each comprising a plenum and a delivery interface, is coupled to the support frame. The platforms may be deployed radially from the body by deflecting the support frame using an actuator shaft extending through a passage in the body. The platforms are connected to a supply passage through the body. In this way, the apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen, usually an artery, with the platforms near a treatment site. By actuating the actuator shaft, the platforms are deployed against the treatment site.

Abstract: An improved laparoscopic medical retractor for separating body parts during a surgical procedure to thereby create or maintain a surgical cavity. The retractor comprises an interior rod having a distal end and a proximal end and an exterior tube positioned to receive the central rod, the exterior tube having a distal end and a proximal end. A plurality of straps having their distal ends are coupled to the distal end of the interior rod and have their proximal ends coupled to the distal end of the exterior tube. The straps are flexible whereby movement of the distal end of the exterior tube distally toward the distal end of the interior rod will cause the straps to assume a generally spherical configuration, the total diameter of the retracted device being less than 1.5 centimeters. Coupling means secure the interior rod and exterior tube against relative axial movement with respect to each other so that a surgeon may move the expanded retractor to enlarge a surgical cavity in which it is located.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cannula with a fixation mechanism actuable to secure the cannula above and below the body wall in a single operation. The preferred embodiment involves spiral slit tubing in the form of a sleeve secured to the distal end of the cannula while mounted loosely over the cannula at the proximal end. A motion, such as twist and/or translation, is applied to the sleeve to make the spiral slit tubing expand to fixate the cannula.

Abstract: An internal anchoring device to which a tubular member is attached for introduction/removal of fluids/gases into and out of viscera of a patient. The internal anchoring device is a discontinuous flexible body having a silhouette approximating a truncated pyramid when in a relaxed position. The internal anchoring device provides increased anchoring capability over devices of the prior art yet, at the same time, is easily obturated, thereby facilitating placement/removal.

Abstract: A multipolar electrode catheter includes a central and four side electrodes at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode wherein the side electrodes are arranged around the tubular catheter outer surface to an expanded mode. A plurality of longitudinal slits in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the distal end so that the side electrodes are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the side electrodes lie in the same plane and equally spaced from adjacent electrodes. Electrode leads connected to the electrodes enable the electrodes to be used both for mapping and ablation of endocardial sites.

Abstract: A trocar assembly is disclosed for use in inserting a laparoscopic instrument into the abdominal cavity during surgery and includes a cylindrical member activated by intermeshing gears to expand a cylindrical member having a normally retracted outer diameter when the trocar assembly is within the abdominal cavity, to resist withdrawing movement of the assembly from the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A multipolar electrode catheter includes a central and four side electrodes at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode wherein the side electrodes are arranged around the tubular catheter outer surface to an expanded mode. A plurality of longitudinal slits in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the distal end so that the side electrodes are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the side electrodes lie in the same plane and equally spaced from adjacent electrodes. Electrode leads connected to the electrodes enable the electrodes to be used both for mapping and ablation of endocardial sites.

Abstract: A tissue gripping apparatus including a cylindrical member positioned about a tubular body portion or cannula. The cylindrical member includes a plurality of articulated arms that are movable between engageable and non-engageable positions. A hinge in the articulated arm enhances the tissue gripping abilities of the apparatus.

Abstract: A retractor for use in arthroscopic surgery. The retractor has a mechanical expanding portion for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The retractor also has a fluid-operated expanding portion, which may be independently controllable, for expanding against sub-surface tissues when the retractor is in use. The retractor is inserted through a small percutaneous opening, expanded in sub-surface tissues without significantly damaging the tissue, then collapsed after use for removal. The retractor can be manipulated to allow the surgeon to push or pull or lever on tissue. The retractor can be hollow like a cannula to permit the passage of one or more surgical devices through the retractor, with a side portal into the center of the retractor.

Abstract: A hollow flexible catheter designed for high pressure jet ventilation of the upper or lower larynx or trachea. The flexible catheter has a distal end and a proximal end, and houses a hollow flexible stylette which is slidably disposed in the catheter. There are a plurality of retractable flexible flanges integrally formed at the distal end of the catheter which bias outwardly to form a bulged or Malecot-type tip having gaps or spaces between the flanges when they are in their natural position. The stylette, which is slidably disposed in the catheter, can be extended towards the distal end of the catheter and used to retract the outwardly biased flanges, thereby reducing the outer diameter of the distal end of the catheter to aid in retraction or insertion of the catheter into the ventilating environment.

Abstract: A laparoscopic retractor is shown for manually maneuvering tissue which would otherwise obstract the view from the operative site. Laparoscopy is a method of visually examining the peritoneal cavity by means of a long slender endoscope (laparoscope) equipped with sheath, obturator, biiopsy forceps, a sphygmo-manometer bulb and tubing, and a syringe. The laparoscope is introduced into the peritoneal cavity by a small incision in the abdominal wall. Laparoscopic surgery is surgery done through the tube of a laparoscope. The retractor is an instrument which is sized for insertion through the laparoscope tube and comprises a pair of arms, which are opened with a scissors motion, and a supporting handle. The arms preferably have a membrane or sheath supported between them which is spread apart by opening the arms. In a preferred embodiment, the arms are covered by a tubular latex sheath, similar to a condom, which is spread apart on opening movement of the arms of the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for positioning a core member within a passageway formed in a body. The apparatus includes at least one positioning element and a control mechanism for moving the positioning element relative to a core member. The positioning element includes a pair of end portions appended to the core member and a flexible central portion intermediate the end portions for movement relative to the core member. The positioning element is configured so that the flexible central portion moves in response to a stimulus from the control mechanism to assume a predetermined position engaging an interior wall of the body passageway and thus biasing the core member into a selected orientation within the passageway.

Abstract: An improved trocar sleeve (10) is disclosed for use in laparoscopic surgery. The sleeve (10) is provided with an expanded mushroom hinge (20) at the first end (14) of the sleeve inserted into the abdominal cavity. The mushroom hinge (20) can be expanded within the abdominal cavity to abut against the inner surface of the abdominal wall (18) to hold the sleeve in place. A split seal (52) having a concave shape facing the first end (14) of the trocar sleeve (10) is provided to prevent loss of pressurized gas from within the abdominal cavity through the sleeve (10) as the pressure of the gas itself urges the first and second seal lips (78, 80) on opposite sides of the slit in the seal into sealing engagement.

Abstract: An organ manipulator is described for exposing an organ situated in a body cavity to be investigated or treated. The manipulator has a retractor body comprising a multi-joint lever system of articulated arms connected to one another, to be pivotally movable and which can be transformed from a axial position for introduction into the body cavity into an open position, in which is possible for the articulated arms to assume a flat triangular shape.

Abstract: The gastrostomy tube includes an elongated flexible wire guide and an elongated sleeve having a tapered end portion, the guide and sleeve having lengths sufficient to extend from a location outside the abdominal wall of the patient through the patient's stomach and esophagus and out the patient's mouth. The gastrostomy tube has a retention device in the form of an inflatable balloon or expandable and retractable cage adjacent an end portion for retaining the tube within the patient's stomach. In use, a guide wire is introduced through an incision through the abdominal and gastric walls under endoscopic observation and pulled out the patient's mouth. The sleeve, tapered end first, is passed along the wire through the patient's mouth, esophagus and stomach, and out through the incision.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding tube including a main, flexible cylindrical body with a proximal end adapted for receiving conventional medical apparatus and a distal end having a locking mechanism. A locking ring is slidably and frictionally attached to the main body of the tube. The locking mechanism includes hinged legs and a membrane surrounding the mechanism, which is attached in a sealed fashion to the tube and to a distal end of the locking mechanism. Other embodiments of the locking mechanism include teeth or detents. Locking knobs are provided within the distal end. A long, rigid insertion tool having grooves for receiving the locking knobs is utilized, and is inserted through a bore through the tube until the locking knobs pass into the grooves. A needle is inserted in a conventional fashion into a patient's stomach, and a guide wire is passed therethrough, and the needle is then removed.

Abstract: The luxation-proof drainage and instrument duct for the arthroscopy comprises a hollow cylinder (20) and a sleeve (30) longitudinally displaceable thereupon which are interconnected at the one end, while the sleeve (30), within the area of its connecting end, is constructed in such a way that, when the sleeve (30) is displaced towards the connection plane, a terminal area of the sleeve is outwardly expanded in a basket-like manner over the circumference of the sleeve, the basket-like expanded sleeve end being provided with a plurality of perforations (135') disposed so as to be distributed over the circumference and in side-by-side arrangement. The sleeve (30) is arrested on the hollow cylinder (20) in the expanded state of the terminal section of the sleeve (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A catheter, for example for bladder drainage, formed of two coaxial tubes and including near the distal end of the outer tube an expandable and contractable retention structure, for example Malecot wings, and at the proximal end of the inner tube a hollow connector for attachement to a fluid supply or drain, comprises actuating means to effect relative sliding movement of the proximal ends of the tubes so as to expand or contract the retention structure, and which means further include a housing secured to the proximal end of the outer tube and so dimensioned that when the retention structure is moved into the contracted position the hollow connector is withdrawn into the housing. This configuration of actuating means prevents both inadvertent connection of a fluid supply or drain when the retention structure is in the contracted position and attempted removal of the catheter when the retention structure is in the expanded position.

Abstract: A gastrostomy feeding port includes a deformable, conical tip portion having at least one side aperture therethrough, a tube portion which extends rearwardly from the tip portion, a fitting portion on the rear end of the tube portion, a removable valve portion in the fitting portion and a flange portion which extends outwardly from the fitting portion. The feeding port is adapted to be installed in a patient so that the tube portion extends through a preestablished stoma in the patient's stomach with the tip portion located in the patient's stomach and the fitting portion and the flange portion engaging the skin of the patient adjacent the stoma. Since the valve portion is removable received in the fitting portion, it can be repaired or replaced if needed without replacing the entire feeding port.

Abstract: An ostomy pouch flusher comprising an elongate wand having fluid inlet and discharge elements adjacent to opposite ends, a handle on the wand adjacent to the inlet end, and a framework of generally parallel rods extending along and spaced from each other and the wand, to define therewith an open space for passsage of a supply fluid and ostomy waste.

Abstract: A multipolar electrode catheter includes a central and four side electrodes at its distal end. The catheter is actuable from a retracted or collapsed mode wherein the side electrodes are arranged around the tubular catheter outer surface to an expanded mode. A plurality of longitudinal slits in the catheter wall enable radial expansion of the distal end so that the side electrodes are moved to an operative position radially outward from their position in the retracted mode. In the expanded position, the side electrodes lie in the same plane and equally spaced from adjacent electrodes. Electrode leads connected to the electrodes enable the electrodes to be used both for mapping and ablation of endocardial sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides an angioscope catheter for visualizing the interior of a vessel, such as an artery. The angioscope catheter includes an angioscope having a distal viewing end, an irrigating catheter that includes structure for introducing flush solution to the interior of the vessel at the distal end of the angioscope, and a deflector shield mounted at the distal end of the angiscope such that flush solution introduced by the catheter impacts on the deflector shield.

Abstract: Device includes a flexible, hollow tube portion having a resiliently deformable mushroom shape tip at the inner end thereof to retain the tube in the stomach or other viscera of a patient and provide an enlarged internal chamber for the mounting of a one-way flapper valve therein and the seating of the flapper valve against the inner end of the tube portion to prevent reflux of gastric contents while permitting the influx of fluids into the stomach or other viscera of the patient through the tube portion. A pair of oppositely extending, relatively short, flat wings are integrally molded on the outer end of the tube portion to make the tube portion self-retaining and flush up against the skin. The wings are relatively narrow in width, whereby the tube portion may be rotated a part turn to bring the wings into contact with different areas of the skin if irritation should occur.

Abstract: A cardiovascular catheter for use particularly in situations requiring varying forms of cardiopulmonary bypass. The catheter which can be introduced percutaneously has an expandable section in proximity to drainage inlets. In one form of the invention the catheter is introduced percutaneously with the expansion means collapsed after the cannula has been introduced percutaneously through the vein into the right atrium the expansion means is employed to prevent the atrium from collapsing around and possibly impeding flow through the cannula, for instance during percutaneous initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass or other venous drainage application.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a dilating catheter and a guiding catheter. The guiding catheter has elongated, coaxial inner and outer tubes. The distal ends of the inner and outer tubes are connected together. A plurality of passages allow fluid flow through the connection between the inner and outer tubes. A plurality of support flaps are formed on the outer tube by a plurality of longitudinal slits. As the outer tube is moved longitudinally relative to the inner tube, the support flaps bend and move radially outward from the inner tube. The expanded support flaps, within the aorta, help to hold the end of the guiding catheter within the selected coronary artery. Radiopaque rings, mounted on each end of the support flaps, help to determine the location of the support flaps.

Abstract: An enhanced non-occluding feeding assembly for the administration or aspiration of fluids to a patient comprising a tube having an enlarged, resilient bolus near its distal end to which a weighted tip is connected is provided. The bolus defines an opening for the tube outlet minimizing occlusion or clogging of the opening. The feeding assembly provides advantageous peristaltic or stylet intubation and minimizes possibility of injury to a patient.

Abstract: An enteral feeding catheter is characterized by being adapted for introduction through the mouth via a guidewire that extends from the mouth through the esophagus, stomach and abdominal puncture. The catheter has a relatively stiff leading portion of length sufficient to extend along the guidewire from the mouth through the abdominal puncture and of stiffness sufficient to permit it to be pushed along the guidewire, at least an initial length of the catheter being tapered to a narrow leading tip to enable the puncture to be dilated as its drawn therethrough. The catheter also has a relatively soft, large diameter trailing portion connected to the leading portion adapted to be drawn along said guidewire by grasping and pulling the stiff leading portion until the leading end of the soft portion extends outside the body through the widened puncture, while the trailing end remains in the stomach, whereby the relatively soft trailing portion can serve as a conduit for enteric feeding.

Abstract: A mechanically-expandable instrument (bougie), especially useful for treating diseases in the urethra and the neck of the urinary bladder, comprises an adjustable-speed driving unit (20) and a probe (22) composed of two rods (64) and (66) pivotally connected together at one end thereof and attached to output sliders (54, 56) of the driving unit at their other ends. Each of the rods (64) and (66) has a semicircular cross section so that in an assembled state the probe has a complete circular cross section. Reciprocations of the sliders cause expansions and contractions of the probe, thereby to stretch urethral constrictions in the radial direction and to subject the urethra and its surrounding tissue to massaging and vibrational actions which are extremely efficient for treating diseases of the urethra and the neck of the urinary bladder. Other embodiments of the rod employ cams, wedges, and threaded means for creating radial expansions and contractions of the probe.

Abstract: A device and technique for percutaneous placement of a tubular prosthesis involves gripping the leading end of the prosthesis by an expandable member inserted into the lumen of the prosthesis from the trailing end of the prosthesis. The expandable member grips the prosthesis at its leading end so that when the member is pushed to advance it into and through the patient, it will tension the prosthesis. The prosthesis has radially extending portions which will serve to retain the prosthesis in place once implanted. During insertion, the tensioning of the prosthesis causes the radial projections to be drawn into a collapsed configuration to define a substantially continuous tubular shape along the full length of the prosthesis.

Abstract: A device for the sustained release of into the rumen of a ruminant animal has an elongate, tubular body for housing a therapeutic or nutrient composition. Wings are pivotably attached to one end of the body member and are resumably biased away from a storage position, in which they extend along body member, an operative position. In the operative position, the wings are at a pre-determined angle to the longitudinal extent of the body member and are constrained from pivoting beyond this angle.

Abstract: A disposable percutaneous lead is provided which is suitable for caring out a variety of functions, including endocardial functions of mapping, ablation and/or pacing. The percutaneous lead maintains a substantially isodiametric profile for insertion through a body cavity such as a vein or artery. By manipulation of a proximal end portion of the device, elongated peripheral segments of the distal end portion of the device move generally radially outwardly in order to provide a plurality of radially adjustable electrodes for forming a mapping array. An elongated shaft structure is also provided for ablation purposes, while electrodes for pacing are also available on the device.

Abstract: A catheter for controlling the drainage of fluid from a body cavity, particularly cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricle of human brain in the treatment of hydrocephalus. The catheter is in the form of an elongated, hollow conduit having a plurality of apertures formed at one end in communication with the hollow interior of the conduit. A barrier is mounted on the conduit adjacent the apertures and is located between the apertures and the outflow or opposite end of the conduit. Preferably, the barrier is in the form of a cuff which is inflatable after insertion into the ventricle of the brain to indicate to the surgeon that the inflow end of the catheter has been accurately positioned within the ventricle of the brain and to space the apertures in the inflow end of the catheter a sufficient distance from the surrounding brain tissue and choroid plexus to prevent the growth or adherence of surrounding tissue over the apertures in the conduit.

Abstract: An angioplasty device is disclosed comprising a woven tube of metal or plastic fibers and a retraction stylet that are attached at one end to a catheter tube for insertion into a vein, artery and the like for the removal of plaque and similar material. One or more guide wires or a stylet may be attached to the woven tube for rotation and manipulation inside the artery. When the stylet or guide wires are retracted, the woven tube expands and contacts the interior, plaque-coated wall of the artery. Movement of the guide wires and expanded woven tube will abrade atherosclerotic plaque from the artery to form particles which are trapped within the tube. An expandable fabric within the woven tube which opens and closes with the corresponding expansion and closure of the woven tube may be used to collect the trapped particles. Removal of the angioplasty device from the artery will them remove the atherosclerotic particles from the patient.

Abstract: In a catheter (10) with wings (26,27) which are brought into a retaining disposition by pulling on a distal tip insert (11) with an actuating means (16) manipulated from the proximal end of the catheter, the retaining surfaces (10B,31) move freely into their co-operative holding disposition from a transport disposition because they are spaced from one another in the transport disposition. The actuating means (16) is preferably a trocar and has a sleeve (19) which not only drives the catheter into position but also controls liquid flow down the catheter tube. Stop surfaces (29,10C) prevent "overshoot" of the wings past the desired retaining disposition and make more positive the disengagement of latching surfaces (22,23) between the tip element (11) and the trocar (16).

Abstract: A mechanically-expandable instrument (bougie), especially useful for treating diseases in the urethra and the neck of the urinary bladder, comprises an adjustable-speed driving unit (20) and a probe (22) composed of two rods (64) and (66) pivotally connected together at one end thereof and attached to output sliders (54, 56) of the driving unit at their other ends. Each of the rods (64) and (66) has a semicircular cross section so that in an assembled state the probe has a complete circular cross section. Reciprocations of the sliders cause expansions and contractions of the probe, thereby to stretch urethral constrictions in the radial direction and to subject the urethra and its the surrounding tissue to massaging and vibrational actions which are extremely efficient for treating diseases of the urethra and the neck of the urinary bladder. Other embodiments of the rod employ cams, wedges, and threaded means for creating radial expansions and contractions of the probe.

Abstract: A vessel dilation device is provided for use within the vascular system, such device including a braided cylinder that has an adjustable axial length and that is structured such that reduction of its adjustable axial length increases its radial size in order to effect a desired extent of dilation.

Abstract: Apparatus for intravenous therapy including hyperalimentation comprises a flexible closed-end catheter having a valve adjacent its proximal end. It is inserted through the skin of a patient and into a vein having a suitably large flow of blood therethrough. A removable internal stiffening member comprising a doubled, twisted flexible wire abuts the proximal closed catheter end. A distal female fluid flow fitting is fixed to the distal end of the stiffening member and is releasably attached to the distal catheter end. The distal end of the catheter has a male coupler allowing releasable connection of the fluid flow fitting of the internal stiffener to a source of intravenous solution which flows by gravity or pump means through the catheter and into the vein.