Abstract: A system is used for robotically controlling movement of a human-controllable catheter, wherein the catheter has at least one position sensor for generating or receiving signals used for determining six dimensions of location and orientation information. The system uses a robotic control mechanism and a computer for driving the robotic control mechanism to (i) translationally move the catheter distal end in a vicinity of a target, (ii) deflect the distal end of the catheter, and (iii) rotate the catheter. The computer determines roll of the catheter using six dimensions of location and orientation information based on signals generated or received from the at least one position sensor.

Abstract: A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate.

Abstract: An introducer sheath comprising a curved shape that follows the right sided vasculature when introduced through the right side subclavian vein and which stops far short of the coronary ostium in the right atrium. No attempt is made to access the coronary sinus through the sheath. The sheath establishes a fulcrum point on the upper lateral wall of the superior vena cava and comprises the ability to be removed from the implanted pacemaker lead without flipping the distal end of the sheath to cause a pull back of the pacemaker lead. The more proximal portions of the sheath extend through the superior vena cava and provide a force which biases the sheath against the lateral wall of the lower portion of the superior vena cava to establish a fulcrum or pivot point which positions the distal end of sheath at the desired location.

Abstract: A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collet or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for articulating an elongate articulatable body which is adapted to be delivered within a body cavity. Particularly, systems and methods for enhancing an articulating force on the elongate body without increasing an actuation force applied by an actuator.

Abstract: An elongate shaft of a medical catheter including a thermoset polymeric tubular member including a skived distal portion. The skived distal portion includes a distally extending trough having a convex surface and a concave surface. A thermoplastic tubular sleeve may be positioned over at least a portion of the skived distal portion of the thermoset polymeric tubular member. In some instances, the thermoplastic tubular sleeve includes a crescent-shaped tubular portion defining a crescent-shaped lumen. The trough of the skived distal portion may extend through the crescent-shaped lumen. The thermoplastic tubular sleeve is thermally bonded to the inner and outer tubular members of a distal section of the elongate shaft at a guidewire port joint.

Abstract: A guide wire placement and removal tool is provided that includes a handle mounted to a shaft connected to a wire engagement mechanism disposed opposite the handle. The mechanism includes a housing aligned with the shaft to enable the wire to pass therethrough, and a moveable engagement member biased into a locking position within the housing to engage a wire positioned therein. The mechanism also includes a release member that can be selectively engaged with the engagement member to disengage the engagement member from the wire to allow the wire to move with regard to the tool. Once the release member is released, the engagement member is biased back into a locking engagement with the wire to securely hold the wire within the tool.

Abstract: A bi-directional catheter with nearly double the throw in its catheter tip deflection defines a puller wire travel path having a U-turn a pulley which minimizes the offset angle between the puller wire and the longitudinal axis of the control handle while maximizing the travel distance of that puller wire for any given distance traveled by the pulley drawing the puller wire. In particular, the control handle of the catheter which includes a steering assembly having a lever arm carrying a pair of pulleys for drawing corresponding puller wires to deflect the tip section of the catheter. The pulleys are rotatably mounted on opposing portions of the lever arm such that one pulley is moved distally as the other pulley is moved proximally when the lever arm is rotated.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for use with an elongated medical implement comprises a motor, a first pulley mechanically coupled to the motor, and a second pulley. The drive mechanism further comprises a connector mechanically coupled to the second pulley. The connector is configured for laterally receiving the medical implement. The drive mechanism further comprises a belt wrapped around the first and second pulleys to transmit force from the motor to the connector. A robotic medical system comprises a user interface configured for receiving at least one command, a drive mechanism including a motor and a connector configured for laterally receiving the medical implement, and an electrical controller configured for directing the motor to cause the drive mechanism to move the medical implement within at least one degree-of-freedom.

Abstract: A medical device handle assembly can include a modular extension that allows for the addition of any number of connector ports to an existing handle. In an embodiment, such an extension can comprise a main body portion configured to be coupled with an elongate medical device shaft comprising at least one of an electrical wire and a fluid lumen. The main body portion may comprise a handle port configured to provide access to one or more of a fluid connector fluidly coupled with the fluid lumen and an electromechanical connector electrically coupled with the electrical wire. The handle assembly can further comprise a handle extension portion coupled with the handle port.

Abstract: A guide wire (1) for use with a catheter comprises a core wire (3) terminating in a distal portion (18) of flat ribbon-like construction having respective opposite major surfaces (29,30). A spring (24) is brazed to a distal end (27) of the distal portion (18) and to the core wire (3) at a tapering portion (14). A reinforcing member (38) extends axially along the distal portion (18) from a proximal end (26) of the distal portion (18) to a location (40) for reinforcing the distal portion (18) for in turn increasing its torsional rigidity in order to minimise axial twisting of the distal portion (18).

Abstract: A catheter retaining tool comprises a piercing tool, a guide wire and an operation device. The piercing tool includes a Y-hub, an outer needle, an indwelling needle and a syringe. The Y-hub includes a main port, an obliquely connected side port, and a hemostatic valve for keeping the side port liquid-tight. The guide wire is inserted by the operation device from the side port through the hemostatic valve into the outer needle. The operation device includes a turning portion made rotatable relative to the side port and having a hollow portion, an extending portion connected to the turning portion, and a slide portion for pushing out the guide wire along the extending portion. The turning portion includes a first rolling spindle and a second tilting spindle.

Abstract: Tissue ablation probes and methods of treating diseased tissue are disclosed that include or use a partially uninsulated shaft that carries conductive elements such as electrode arrays. The shaft has an uninsulated outer surface that is electrically conductive and is electrically connected to one of the conductive elements. The uninsulated outer surface and one of the conductive elements are insulated from the other conductive element. Tissue ablation is performed “inside-out” and begins between the proximal and distal electrode arrays and migrates outwardly towards the electrode arrays when electrical current is applied to the probe.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a core shaft and a coil body wound around an outer periphery of the core shaft. A distal end portion of the core shaft and a distal end portion of the coil body is fixed to each other to form a most distal end portion. The coil body includes a linear portion and a bent portion, the linear portion extending in a distal direction from a proximal end of the coil body, the bent portion being provided on a distal side of the liner portion. The core shaft and the coil body located in the bent portion are fixed to each other with a fixing member.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a needle assembly including an outer cannula including a tubular sidewall disposed around a lumen. At least a portion of the sidewall includes an exterior including a polymeric material configured to inhibit skiving of an interior of a dilator with movement of the outer cannula within the dilator. An inner cannula is disposed within the lumen and is selectively slidable with respect to the outer cannula. A handle is disposed at a proximal portion of the needle assembly. The handle includes a first handle portion coupled to and movable with the outer cannula. A second handle portion is coupled to and movable with the inner cannula, wherein the first handle portion is selectively movable with respect to the second handle portion to extend a distal end of the inner cannula from within the lumen of the outer cannula.

Abstract: A steering tool including an internal tube disposed inside an external tube, the internal and external tubes being arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another, wherein a distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube, and at least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and wherein the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.

Abstract: Guidewire system includes a guidewire jacket, at least two guidewires, and a handle. The guidewires are initially constraint within the guidewire jacket and may be introduced into a diagnostic or other catheter to deliver the guidewires to a target region in a patient's vasculature. The handle detachably retains the guidewires so that they may be advanced simultaneously with the guidewire jacket. The guidewires may be then detached and manipulated individually to locate them properly within the region. After removing the guidewire jacket and the diagnostic catheter, the two or more guidewires provide a trackable yet flexible path for the introduction of interventional catheter or sheath.

Abstract: A steering tool including an internal tube disposed inside an external tube, the internal and external tubes being arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another, wherein a distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube, and at least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and wherein the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.

Abstract: An endoscopic screening system uses an apparatus has an endoscope with an upper/lower wheel and a right/left wheel for controlling bending of an endoscope tip within an organ being imaged; an intelligent mouthpiece adapted to precisely measure inclination of the endoscope using marks in degrees in both the novel mouth piece and in the new shaft; an endoscope shaft having both cross and longitudinal marks along a longitudinal length for digitalization of output to precisely obtain the length of insertion from a reference point to a tip of the endoscope; and an angulation device for measuring rotation of the upper/lower and right/left wheels. Every portion/part/side located within an organ is already assigned an alphanumeric code as part of the new nomenclature. The endoscopic screening system allows for imaging sequentially of an entire interior surface of a portion of the patient's gastrointestinal tract and image reconstruction of the surface with overlapping redundant pictures without image gaps.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrophysiology, RF ablation, or similar catheter (i.e., catheter or sheath) that includes an actuator that significantly increases the length of travel (i.e., steering travel) of the actuation wires, as compared to the length of travel provided by prior art actuators. The catheter includes a hollow flexible tubular body, a pair of actuation wires disposed in a side-by-side relationship in the body, a handle attached to a proximal end of the body, an actuator pivotally mounted to the handle, an arcuate internal gear rack disposed on the actuator, one or more pulleys pivotally mounted on the handle and coaxially coupled to a pinion gear engaged with the gear rack, and a guide block mounted within the handle. The one or more pulleys include a first channel in which the first actuation wire resides and a second channel in which the second actuation wire resides. The actuation wires pass through holes in the guide block, which aligns the wires into their respective channels.

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongate core section and a flexible member disposed on the distal end, the flexible member including a first wire wound into an inner helical coil in a first direction and a second wire wound into an outer helical coil wrapped about the first helical coil in the opposite direction. The two combined helical coils add stiffness and torque transmission to the guide wire without sacrificing tactile feedback.

Abstract: An anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip having a suction opening and an interior defining a suction channel. An ejection wire channel extends to a wire exit opening into the suction channel that is located proximate the suction opening. An ejection wire including a ball tip at an end thereof occupies the ejection wire channel and is transitionable between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration such that, in the retracted configuration, the ejection wire including the ball tip is retained within the ejection wire channel and does not obstruct suctioning of debris through the suction channel; and in the advanced configuration, the ball tip of the ejection wire does not extend more than three millimeters beyond the suction opening.

Abstract: A feeding tube is configured for nasal insertion and advancement to the jejunum of a patient. The tube has a plurality of projections disposed along the surface of the distal tube portion for promoting advancement of the tube along the GI tract by peristaltic contractions. The tube includes first and second strings. The first string is aligned along the tube such that upon exertion of a pulling force on the first string, the distal end of the tube flexes in a direction of the force. The second string is aligned such that upon exertion of a pulling force on the second string, the tube is withdrawn from the GI tract responsive to the force. A snare may be provided for capturing the second string to promote withdrawal of the tube through the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway, comprising providing a visualization system comprising an endoscope comprising a rotatable drive collar configured for rotation relative to the endoscope; a disposable drive tube comprising an elongated tube having a deformable helical thread disposed on an exterior surface of the elongated tube, the elongated tube being configured for coaxial disposition about the endoscope; and a mount for releasably securing the drive tube to the drive collar; mounting the drive tube coaxially about the endoscope so that the drive tube is secured to the drive collar of the endoscope; inserting the visualization system into the passageway, with the helical thread being in a reduced profile configuration; transforming the helical thread into an expanded profile configuration; rotating the drive tube so as to bring together a site which is to be visualized and the visualization apparatus; and visualizing the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides for devices and methods for providing endovascular therapy, including facilitating establishment of vascular access, placement of endovascular sheaths, catheter tip localization, and administration of vascular occlusion. The invention includes a vessel cannulation device, an expandable sheath, an occlusion catheter, and a localizer each of which may be provided separately or used as part of a system. One embodiment of the invention is a vessel cannulation device including: a housing having a distal end with a distal tip and a proximal end; a guidewire lumen passing through the housing and at least the distal tip; a sensor coupled to the guidewire lumen; and an advancing member, which is configured for advancing at least one of a guidewire or a sheath and which is operably coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: A medical device for anchoring a distal end of a guidewire in a catheter within a coronary artery during a Percutaneous Coronary Intervention including a catheter for being introduced into a coronary artery and a guidewire extending through the catheter. A first anchor device is provided at the proximal end of the guidewire outside of a patient's body and a second anchor is provided at the distal end of the guidewire and catheter to facilitate the movement of interventional devices in the body.

Abstract: Guidewire exit ramp members that may be placed over a tubular member having a guidewire lumen, which longitudinally extending and laterally accessible, and methods of use. The guidewire exit ramp member can be placed to force a guidewire loaded through the lumen in a first direction to be forced out of the lumen via an opening, slit or channel. The guidewire exit ramp member, in an illustrative embodiment, takes the form of a relatively short member having a proximal portion and a distally extending flap. The flap may be designed to enter and remain in a longitudinally accessible guidewire lumen. Combinations of such ramp members and device shafts having longitudinally extending laterally accessible guidewire lumens are also disclosed, as are methods for securing such combinations together. A method of backloading a guidewire into a catheter while causing lateral exit of the guidewire at a desired location is also shown.

Abstract: A rotational force transmission mechanism has: a rotation-inputting member freely rotative and driven in a predetermined first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction by a predetermined operating member; a first rotation-transmitting member for receiving a rotational driving force supplied from the rotation-inputting member in the first direction; a second rotation-transmitting member, disposed to face the first rotation-transmitting member, for receiving a rotational driving force supplied from the rotation-inputting member in the second direction; a connection section disposed so that the rotational force acts in the direction in which the first rotation-transmitting member and the second rotation-transmitting member face each other, the connection section in the facing position transfers the rotational driving force received by the first rotation-transmitting member in the first direction to the second rotation-transmitting member and transfers the rotational driving force received by

Abstract: A guidewire comprising an elongate guide member dimensioned for insertion within a body vessel of a subject is disclosed. The guide member defines a longitudinal axis and has trailing and leading end segments. The leading end segment has a reduced cross-sectional dimension relative to a cross-sectional dimension of the trailing end segment. The leading end segment includes at least one finger thereon. A first transverse dimension of the finger is greater than a corresponding first transverse dimension of the leading end segment in contact therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods and catheter apparatus for passing one or more guidewires (via the use of one or more telescoping guidewire lumens) through a chronic total occlusion of a vasculature. The catheter apparatus may include: a catheter shaft having a distal end; one or more telescoping guidewire lumen catheters passing longitudinally through the shaft, wherein the one or more guidewire lumen catheters are capable of telescoping beyond the distal end of the catheter shaft; an expansible distal portion of the shaft; and a retractable sheath covering at least a portion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft, wherein retracting the retractable sheath from the expansible distal portion of the shaft directly activates the expansible distal portion of the shaft causing expansion of the expansible distal portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A handle for controlling a steerable catheter can be aligned so that the direction of movement of the catheter is aligned with the orientation of an image on a monitor. In one embodiment, the handle is axially symmetric, allowing a physician to grasp it such that the movement of the catheter is aligned with an image displayed. In another embodiment, the handle is a grip that is rotatable with respect to the controls of a steerable catheter in order to align the movement with the image displayed.

Abstract: A method for making a deflectable catheter includes positioning a flexible element along a catheter liner. A flexible element distal portion extends along at least a portion of a deflectable distal end portion of the catheter liner. At least one anchor is engaged to the flexible element distal portion. The flexible element resides radially between the catheter liner and a band extending at least part way around a perimeter of the liner. An encapsulant, positioned around at least the flexible element distal portion, forms at least a portion of a sidewall of the deflectable distal end portion of the liner. The anchor and band are within the sidewall so that the encapsulant transmits pushing and pulling forces from the at least one anchor to the deflectable distal end portion of the liner.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter includes a catheter body, an intermediate section, a tip electrode and a control handle for deflecting the catheter by manipulation of a puller element that is made of a high modulus fiber material and extends through the catheter body and the intermediate section. The proximal end of the puller element is housed in the control handle and the distal end of the puller element is in a wrapped configuration and engages with a distal tip member or the intermediate section.

Abstract: This invention provides a guidewire adapted for the catheterization of very small vasculature of the neonates, infants and children. In one embodiment of the invention, a guidewire of 0.010 inch diameter is described. The present invention also provides an alignment adaptor that facilitates catheterization of small vasculature utilizing said guidewire, and method of using the same.

Abstract: A fixator assembly comprising a fixator for fixing inside a blood vessel, the fixator being able to slide proximally along a guide wire. The assembly comprising means for preventing the fixator from moving distally of the preventing means. A tubular element for introduction into a blood vessel of a person, the tubular element comprising an end opening and a plurality of side openings as well as a transport wire extending from inside the tubular element and to the surroundings thereof through an individual side opening.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed having a flexible tubing with a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter comprising at least one movable magnet provided within the distal end of the flexible tubing. A control mechanism is operable to selectively activate the at least one movable magnet from the proximal end of the flexible tubing. The at least one movable magnet is responsive to an external magnetic field to position and guide the distal end of the flexible tubing within a body of a patient.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system for performing a procedure on a patient is provided. The robotic catheter procedure system includes a bedside system and a remote workstation. The bedside system includes a percutaneous device and an actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to the percutaneous device. The remote workstation includes a user interface configured to receive a user input and a display device configured to display an image of a portion of the patient. The image includes a magnification level. The workstation also includes a control system operatively coupled to the user interface. The control system is configured to generate a control signal. The actuating mechanism causes movement of the percutaneous device in response to the control signal, and the control signal is based upon the user input and the magnification level.

Abstract: An intra-luminal device for the extraction of occlusive or partially occlusive material is disclosed. Said device comprises a novel catheter extension which minimizes cavitation of extracted fluids and also allows the better navigation of tortuous lumens or vasculature.

Abstract: A medical device control handle has a first actuation member for actuating at least one puller wire in one manipulation of a medical device, including uni-directional deflection, if not a pair of puller wires for bi-directional deflection of a catheter, and a second actuation member for actuating an additional puller wire in another manipulation of the medical device, wherein the first and second actuation members have a common rotational axis without being rotationally coupled. In one embodiment, a first actuation assembly has a first actuator, an arm rotatable about an axis, and a first shaft. The first deflection actuator and the arm are rotationally coupled by the rotation shaft, and the arm has at least one pulley that is engaged with a puller wire. The second wire actuation assembly has a second actuator and a second shaft having a spool portion.

Abstract: A clot removal system includes an elongated tubular sheath and an elongated tubular catheter received within the sheath. A distal segment of the catheter is split into a plurality of catheter wall segments, with each wall segment having a pre-shaped curved configuration. Each wall segment defines at least one scraping edge and has a distal tip that is less stiff than a remaining portion of the wall segment. The clot removal system has a transport configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is axially aligned with a distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments are urged against the pre-shaped curved configuration by the sheath. The clot removal system also has a deployed configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is advanced distally beyond the distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments conform to the pre-shaped curved configuration.

Abstract: A guide wire for medical treatment includes a straight-line shaped proximal section and a distal section which is continuous with the distal side of the proximal section and whose most distal portion faces toward the proximal direction. The distal section includes a curved portion continuous with the proximal section and a distal portion continuous with the distal side of the curved portion, the proximal section and at least a portion on the proximal side of the curved portion continuous with the proximal section are positioned on an identical plane, and the distal portion is extended toward a direction backing away from the plane and includes the most distal portion in a section of a direction to which the curved portion is curved with respect to an plane n an axis core of the proximal section orthogonal to the plane.

Abstract: A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator.

Abstract: A deflectable stylet for a catheter includes an elongate deflectable member with a bend-enhancing region defined at a distal part of the deflectable member. An actuator has a distal end. 1 fast with a distal end of the deflectable member, relative displacement between the actuator and the deflectable member causing deflection of the distal part of the deflectable member at the bend-enhancing region. A control member is displaceably arranged relative to the deflectable member, the control member interacting with the bend-enhancing region of the deflectable member for controlling the extent of deflection of the distal part of the deflectable member.

Abstract: A guide catheter assembly includes an outer guide catheter and an inner catheter slidably and rotatably disposed in the outer guide catheter. The outer guide catheter has a proximal portion and a distal portion formed into a preformed shape including a curved segment. The preformed shape includes a first arc, a second arc, a third arc, a fourth arc, and a generally straight terminal portion. The preformed shape is generally a J-shape, having a terminal portion generally parallel to the proximal portion, a generally closed arc or a generally open arc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device, comprising a hose-, tube- or hollow needle-shaped body, comprising a first layer (12) and an adjoining second layer (14) made of plastic material, wherein hollow spheres (22, 24) for generating echogenic properties are contained in the second layer. So as to achieve good echogenic properties, according to the invention both the inner first layer (12) and the adjoining second layer (14) comprise hollow spheres (18, 20, 22, 24) for generating echogenic properties, the hollow spheres (18, 20) of the first layer, these being the first hollow spheres, on average have smaller diameters D1 than the hollow spheres (22, 24) of the second layer referred to as the second hollow spheres, and/or that the fill content F1 of the first hollow spheres in the first layer is less than the fill content F2 of the second hollow spheres in the second layer.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a push member having a proximal portion with a proximal stiffness, a distal portion with a distal stiffness different from the proximal stiffness, and a transition portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The transition portion may provide a smooth transition between the proximal stiffness and the distal stiffness. The push member may have a first outer diameter. A distal tubular member may be attached to the push member. The distal tubular member may have a second outer diameter larger than the first outer diameter.

Abstract: A system and a method of positioning a wire guide are provided. The method includes inserting a wire guide in a first configuration into a lumen of a catheter, distally advancing the wire guide to a distal portion of the lumen so that a distal end of the wire guide is distal to an opening in a wall of the catheter and advancing a distal portion of the wire guide through the opening by distally advancing the distal portion relative to the catheter so that the distal end remains in the lumen as the distal portion of the wire guide extends out of the opening. The method includes advancing the distal portion of the wire guide further out of the opening so that the distal end exits through the opening so that the distal portion is distal to the distal end of the wire guide in a second configuration.

Abstract: Drainage catheters for use in a variety of medical procedures are presented herein. The drainage catheter features an improved tension member locking mechanism. In use, once the drainage catheter is placed as desired, a second connector piece is rotated relative to a first connector piece to wind the tension member around a spooling region and pull the distal end of the catheter tube into a locked configuration. Once the tension member is tensioned, the first and second connector pieces are pulled into a locking engagement thereby securing the catheter tube in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A guidewire positioning tool includes a sheath having a body bore extending axially through a length of the sheath with a radially extending body slot configured to receive a guidewire. A collet portion extends laterally from the sheath and has collet arms and interstitial spaces with a collet bore extending therethrough. The collet bore has a collet slot extending radially from the collet bore configured to receive a guidewire. The collet arms have threads located on the exterior of the collet arms. A clamp nut is positioned over the collet portion and configured to threadably engage the threads. A retainer is rotatably attached to an end of the sheath opposite from the collet portion. The retainer has a retainer bore extending axially therethrough. The retainer has a retainer slot extending radially from the retainer bore configured to receive a guidewire.

Abstract: A method and system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. More particularly, a manually steered “rapid exchange” type catheter for a system for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating an area of interest in a patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises a catheter body configured to be introduced to an area of interest in a patient's body, a device for imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating the area of interest contained within the catheter body, and a manual steering device attached to the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device to allow an operator to manually steer the imaging, diagnosing, and/or treating device, wherein the catheter is configured to be mounted on a commercially available guidewire.