Abstract: An apparatus and method for curving a catheter after deployment include a catheter having a primary lumen, a secondary lumen, and a resilient fiber contained within the secondary lumen. The resilient fiber and the secondary lumen have corresponding, preformed curve shapes when the catheter is in a straight, unstressed condition. The resilient fiber is slidable within the secondary lumen to create a desired curve shape in the catheter as the curved portion of the resilient fiber slides into an originally straight portion of the secondary lumen. In another embodiment, the preformed curve shape of the resilient fiber is held in a straight condition within a stiff, marker ring segment of the catheter until after the catheter is deployed. Once deployed, the resilient fiber is slid out of the marker ring segment, and the preformed curve shape of the resilient fiber creates a corresponding curve shape in the catheter.

Abstract: A “Smart Micro-catheter” (SMC) system comprising a device for controlled particle release and drug delivery into a blood vessel, hepatic artery or any patho-physiological target is disclosed. Methods of using the micro-catheter system for optimal targeted delivery of therapeutic microspheres comprising using subject-specific computer simulations of particle-hemodynamics are further provided.

Abstract: A medical clamping assembly includes a housing defining a chamber and a deflecting member operable to slide relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. A conduit is also provided within the housing and is adapted for fluid coupling to a medical device. The medical clamping assembly also includes a biasing element disposed within the housing adjacent to the conduit. The deflecting member is movable relative to the housing between the first position corresponding to an open state of the conduit and the second position corresponding to a closed state of the conduit whereby the biasing element compresses the conduit to substantially close a lumen of the conduit.

Abstract: A guide catheter includes a tubular section formed of a shape memory polymer that can transform dynamically between first and second states or conditions, or among three states or conditions, to provide a wide range of properties of the guide catheter as desired during delivery of the guide catheter through the vasculature to a target site, and removal of the guide catheter from the target site and vasculature. The states or conditions of the shape memory polymer be dynamically changed to vary properties of the tubular section such as stiffness, flexibility, shape, or biodegradability, which can be controlled by exposure of the shape memory polymer to temperature changes, electric fields, magnetic fields, wavelengths of light, and chemical solutions.

Abstract: An embolization delivery system and a method of using the system by a physician to deliver an embolization coil into the vasculature of a patient is disclosed. The embolization delivery system includes a delivery tube in the form of a catheter or wire guide that may be reversibly inserted, a delivery catheter placed into the vasculature of a patient, a connector disposed around and permanently coupled to the delivery tube, a detachable embolization coil disposed within a portion of the connector and held in place by compressive forces exerted by the connector, and a release mechanism for detaching the embolization coil. The release mechanism includes a wire with one end being coupled to the catheter, a middle portion being in contact with both the connector and coil, and a second end that may be manipulated in a predetermined manner by the attending physician.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including at least one introducer defining a passage receiving an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between an elongate shape-imparting element received in the lumen and imparting a predetermined shape to the distal end of the elongate tubular member, when the distal end of the elongate tubular member is extended beyond a distal end of the at least one introducer. A distal end of the one-piece shape-imparting element extends from the lumen of the elongate tubular member and is anchored proximal the distal end of the at least one introducer.

Abstract: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Generally, ultrasound catheters include an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. Improved features of ultrasound catheters include prevention of independent rotation of the ultrasound transmission member, a safety anchor for the distal head, a one-piece transmission member/distal head and the like.

Abstract: A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.

Abstract: A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as catheters, including shape memory materials, are provided, as well as related methods of making and using such medical devices.

Abstract: In a method and device for mounting an elongated member inside an elongated, elastic, flexible tubing, initially having an inside cross-sectional dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the outside cross-sectional dimension of the elongated member, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the flexible tubing is expanded by applying a pressurized fluid to the inner bore of the tubing, and inserting the elongated member into the tubing while the pressurized fluid is being applied.

Abstract: A laparoscopic medical fluid delivery device includes a catheter having an articulating tip formed with shape memory properties and thus having a pre-shaped curvature. A tubular member is reciprocatingly slidable axially on the catheter to selectively cover and uncover portions of the articulating tip to thereby selectively vary the degree of curvature of the articulating tip. An actuator operatively linked to the tubular member selectively moves the tubular member reciprocatingly on the catheter. The pre-shaped articulating tip of the catheter is constrained by the tubular member from articulating to the pre-shaped curvature when the tubular member covers the articulating tip, and bends to a selected degree of curvature when the articulating tip is at least partially uncovered by the tubular member.

Abstract: A guide catheter for accessing the coronary sinus ostium 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: An apparatus and method for curving a catheter after deployment include a catheter having a primary lumen, a secondary lumen, and a resilient fiber contained within the secondary lumen. The resilient fiber and the secondary lumen have corresponding, preformed curve shapes when the catheter is in a straight, unstressed condition. The resilient fiber is slidable within the secondary lumen to create a desired curve shape in the catheter as the curved portion of the resilient fiber slides into an originally straight portion of the secondary lumen. In another embodiment, the preformed curve shape of the resilient fiber is held in a straight condition within a stiff, marker ring segment of the catheter until after the catheter is deployed. Once deployed, the resilient fiber is slid out of the marker ring segment, and the preformed curve shape of the resilient fiber creates a corresponding curve shape in the catheter.

Abstract: A manipulator is configured with three or more substantially concentric, elongate members configured such that relative rotation and translation of the elongate members adjusts both the spatial position and orientation of the distal end of the manipulator and the spatial positioning of the manipulator along its length. In one arrangement, the elongate members are pre-curved such that the distal end portions of the elongate members have generally arcuate shapes in a resting state. When the three elongate members are combined in a substantially concentric manner, the overall shape of the manipulator is a composite of the individual elongate member shapes. Varying the relative translation and rotational orientation of the component elongate members achieves a family of resulting manipulator shapes as well as a desired spatial position and orientation of the distal end portion of the manipulator.

Abstract: A distal end of a flexible catheter can be selectively deflected in a desired direction by actuating one or more actuators that extend outwardly of an exterior surface of the catheter. Each actuator can be a balloon disposed within a non-extendible balloon or sheath. Inflation of one (or both) of the balloon and the non-extendible balloon with a pressurized fluid can deflect the distal tip of the catheter. Another actuator embodiment comprises a strip of a bimorph material that bends outwardly when actuated, e.g., by heat, applying a force against adjacent tissue to deflect the distal tip. Yet another embodiment includes a strip of material that shortens when heated and can be coupled to a balloon that is inflated outwardly to increase a radial moment arm of the force applied thereby, relative to a neutral axis of the catheter, to more readily deflect the distal tip.

Abstract: A steerable three dimensional catheter to engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a patient includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a patient in whom the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior or left lateral interior surface of the ascending aorta of the patient. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two differently directed angles.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a needle fluidly coupled to a dispensing chamber, a power source for providing current to the dispensing chamber housing, a controller for controlling the power source, and a housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the power source, and the controller. The dispensing chamber housing is made of a shape memory alloy and has an inner surface defining a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The controller directs a first current to the dispensing chamber housing to heat the substance contained in the dispensing chamber and a second current to the dispensing chamber housing to alter the shape of the dispensing chamber housing to deliver the substance.

Abstract: Catheter assembly including an elongate shaft comprising a thermoplastic polymer such as a thermoplastic shape memory polymer having a pre-selected glass transition temperature (Tg) and a means for heating the thermoplastic polymer, wherein the thermoplastic polymer is in a rubbery state at temperatures above the glass transition temperature and is in a glassy state at temperatures below the glass transition temperature. The elongate shaft may be selectively heated and cooled to provide sufficient flexibility and retention during a medical procedure.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, an actuator for driving the plunger, a temperature control device, and a temperature release mechanism. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and is capable of altering the temperature of the substance in the dispensing chamber. The temperature release mechanism is in a locked position when the substance is outside the proper temperature range and an unlocked position when the substance is in the proper temperature range.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating catheter that is usable to advance a tissue penetrator from within a blood vessel, through the wall of the blood vessel to a target location. The catheter includes at least one stabilizing device thereon for stabilizing catheter prior to advancing the tissue penetrator. The tissue penetrator may extend through a lumen in the body of the catheter and project transversely through an exit port. The stabilizing device may be located closely adjacent to the exit port, or may surround the exit port. The stabilizing device may be one or more balloons, or other mechanical structure that is expandable into contact with the inner luminal wall of the blood vessel. Desirably, the exit port is forced into contact with the blood vessel wall to shorten the distance that the tissue penetrator projects from the catheter body to the target location. The catheter is particular useful for forming blood flow tracts between blood vessels, in particular in coronary revascularization procedures.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate hollow shaft with a curved distal section having at least one pre-curved reinforcing strip embedded therein. The pre-curved reinforcing strip comprises a relatively stiff material that is unaffected by the process of thermoforming a final curve in the catheter. Methods of making the catheter are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle guidance system provided by a needle with a steerable tip. The needle has a cannula and a stylet. The stylet adjacent to its tip has a naturally curved portion. The stylet is movable in two degrees of freedom with respect to the cannula—axial translation and axial rotation with respect to the cannula axis. When extended, the stylet curves off-axis and provides cannula tip steering. Driving and/or steering systems may be provided to the orientation and relatively move the stylet.

Abstract: And the esophageal airway management device guide insertable in a patient's trachea with minimum throat, esophageal or tracheal injury having a distal section softer than an intermediate section which also may have a proximal section softer than the intermediate section.

Abstract: A multiple catheter system is described. In one embodiment a medical catheter system includes a first catheter having an entrance orifice, an exit orifice, a channel connecting the entrance orifice and the exit orifice, and a wall surrounding the channel. In this embodiment the hardness of the wall surrounding the channel decreases in in hardness, increases in hardness and then decreases in hardness again, when considered from an initial reference point at the entrance orifice and traveling towards the exit orifice. Another medical catheter system includes a first catheter having an entrance orifice, an exit orifice, a channel linking the entrance orifice and the exit orifice, and a first wall surrounding the channel wherein the first wall has a bendable curve memory portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an anchoring cannula for use in surgery. The cannula possesses a shape memory polymer on the distal portion thereof which expands upon heating thereby securing the cannula in tissue.

Abstract: This invention provides small position sensors for applications where localized sensing in a small volume of space is needed but where measurement of large relative displacement is also necessary. The invention enables a surgeon to accurately position the tip of a catheter during minimally invasive therapy. The current invention further improves the quality of tactile feedback to a physician during catheter-based surgeries with an axial force sensor at the tip of the catheter that allows for the transmission of force information to the physician. One embodiment of this invention is a position sensor for active interventional catheters, where the sensor may be laser-machined shape memory alloy (SMA), and the catheter actuators may be heated SMA or wire-pulleys. Providing position feedback from a catheter during minimally invasive therapy allows for closed-loop control of the catheter tip position under computer-aided guidance and enable force feedback to the physician.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a medicine to a patient via the patient's respiratory system with control and efficiency. A nebulization catheter is positioned in the patient's respiratory system so that a distal end of the nebulization catheter is in the respiratory system and a proximal end is outside the body. In a first aspect, the nebulization catheter may be used in conjunction with an endotracheal tube and preferably is removable from the endotracheal tube. The nebulization catheter conveys medicine in liquid form to the distal end at which location the medicine is nebulized by a pressurized gas or other nebulizing mechanism. The nebulized medicine is conveyed to the patient's lungs by the patient's respiration which may be assisted by a ventilator. By producing the aerosol of the liquid medicine at a location inside the patient's respiratory system, the nebulizing catheter provides for increased efficiency and control of the dosage of medicine being delivered.

Abstract: An injection needle, for injection into a body tissue, is flexible in the introduced or post-inserted state and comprises a channel for the introduction of a fluid. The injection needle is at least partly made from at least one material which is rigid in one state and flexible in a second state. Alternatively or concurrently, the injection needle is rigid on application of a force to the needle along the longitudinal direction of a needle longitudinal axis and is flexible on application of a force in the radial direction relative to the needle longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A elongate tubular catheter uses spirally sliced tubes to provide flexible support having pushability in a number of roles. The spirally sliced tube may be used in place of a stiffening tube thereby providing a catheter that can have variable degrees of flexibility along its length. Alternatively, the spirally sliced tube may be used in place of a compression wire or other puller wire sleeve. The spirally sliced tubes may also be used as the inner or outer wall of an irrigation lumen within the catheter. The flexibility of the catheter can be easily modified during manufacture by varying the pitch angle of the spiral slice. Flexibility along the length of the catheter can also be modified by using one or more spirally sliced tubes or tubes in which only portions are spirally sliced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjustably displacing the distal end of a flexible catheter tube (1). Said device comprises a spring-elastic guide wire (2) with a spiral end section (2?) which can be displaced inside the tube (1) until the desired angle of displacement is obtained.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric treatment for curved regions in shaft assemblies that increases curve retention without affecting the flexibility within these regions. More specifically, the present invention modifies the underlying crystalline morphology of a polymer in order to decrease crystal fracturing. In particular, the present invention treats polymeric materials suitable for catheter construction with a nucleating agent.

Abstract: A device for the drainage of the bladder through the body's own urethra opening outside of the human body, comprising a tube-shaped body (10). The 5 tube-shaped body is comprised: to assume a first contracted position and for taken up within the bladder as well as a to assume a second partially extended position. At least one thread (14) extends between the bladder and an opening so that the tube-shaped body can be extended from the first position to the second position during 10 the application of a pulling force upon the thread. The tube-shaped body will return to the first position upon the release of the pulling force on the thread.

Abstract: A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.

Abstract: Steerable electrophysiology catheters for use in mapping and/or ablation of accessory pathways in myocardial tissue of the heart wall and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The catheter comprises a catheter body and handle, the catheter body having a proximal section and a distal section and manipulators that enable the deflection of a distal segment of the distal tip section with respect to the independently formed curvature of a proximal segment of the distal tip section through a bending or knuckle motion of an intermediate segment between the proximal and distal segments. A wide angular range of deflection within a very small curve or bend radius in the intermediate segment is obtained. At least one distal tip electrode is preferably confined to the distal segment which can have a straight axis extending distally from the intermediate segment. The curvature of the proximal segment and the bending angle of the intermediate segment are independently selectable.

Abstract: A sheath is composed of a biocompatible material which has a stiffness and moldability such that it can easily be deformed by hand by the physician prior to implantation, or by means of a guiding or shaping tool such as the dilator, stylet and or guide wire during placement within the body cavity. Similarly, it has a suppleness such that it may be molded by its disposition within the body cavity without trauma to the tissues. Yet, it has sufficient stiffness and moldability such that it retains a shape which has been imparted to it by a shaping tool when in the body cavity, even when left unsupported or unconfined in a body cavity or subject to normal bodily fluid, blood or air flow. However, once the shaping or forming tool has been removed, the sheath will tend to stay in its molded shape in a body cavity without generating a resilient force or displacement which returns it to its original shape.

Abstract: A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a control section and a shaft extending from the control section. The shaft has a frame with a one-piece tube along a majority of a length of the shaft. The tube comprises a superelastic alloy and slots into the tube along at least one-section of the tube. Superelastic properties of the superelastic alloy allow the tube to bend proximate the slots without substantial permanent deformation of the tube. The superelastic alloy provides the shaft with adequate stiffness and torque resistance to be inserted into a patient's body.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method of making same that has an elongate inner core element with an outer layer of material disposed about the core element. The layer of material can be applied as a braid, strand or smooth layer of material, and is preferably a metal. If the layer of material is applied as a braid or strand, it may be subsequently cold drawn so as to create a smooth layer from the braid or strand. The inner core element, may be homogeneous, or may consist of drawn filled tubing with at least two layers of material, preferably biocompatible metals. In this way, the multiple layer distal section of the elongate core can be shaped or ground so as to achieve the desired mechanical properties and provide surfaces for attachment of components that are readily bonded or soldered to.

Abstract: A medical device is provided that includes a catheter and a stylet positioned in the catheter. The stylet is configured to guide the catheter through a passage of a patient. The stylet is preferable tubular and made of a shape-memory material that changes shape when heated to bend or turn the catheter.

Abstract: A double catheter includes an outer, resilient catheter having shape memory and a hook-shaped distal end, an inner, pliable catheter slidably disposed in the outer catheter and of greater length than the outer catheter so that a distal end portion of the inner catheter can be extended or retracted from a distal end opening of the outer catheter to vary the overall length of the double catheter, the inner catheter preferably having an internal lumen suitable for the introduction of contrast media, and a mechanism operable from the proximal end of the outer catheter for changing the curvature of the hook shaped distal end of the outer catheter. Such a catheter of the invention can cannulate the coronary sinus without significant manipulation.

Abstract: A cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends is provided. The diameter of the lumen of the cannula can be varied to take into account differences in the diameter of access and target vessels during cannulation. The cannula is further characterized by at least one mechanism that, upon actuation, serves to alter the conformation of the cannula between a normal profile conformation and a low profile conformation. The normal profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion which is smaller than the lumen diameter both proximal and distal to the point of insertion, with the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion also expandable to the diameter of the cannulized vessel of the patient. The low profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion that is greater than the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion.

Abstract: An apparatus having a steerable distal end portion for insertion in a body lumen comprises a superlastic shape memory member which adopts a memorized shape in an unloaded austenitic state, and stationary heating means for heating at least a portion of the superlastic shape memory member to a temperature above the temperature inside the body lumen. Heating the superlastic shape memory member inside the body lumen causes it to increase in stiffness and tend toward the memorized shape, and subsequent discontinuation of heating causes the superlastic shape memory member to decrease in stiffness, allowing the distal end portion to be deformed from the memorized shape, thereby resulting in movement of the distal end portion which assists in steering it through the body lumen. Preferably, the elongate shape memory member is tubular, having a lumen extending therethrough, and the heating means comprises electrical heating means.

Abstract: A catheter and guide wire in which at least a distal end portion of a catheter body or guide wire is formed of a shape memory-specialized metal having shape memory property, but free from superelasticity or pseudoelasticity at least at the body temperature, have high safety and improved operability as compared with prior art ones and are advantageously used in a wide range of examination and treatment, especially in angiography, angioplasty, embolization, foreign matter removal and recovery, calculus capture and so on.

Abstract: A torqueable, three-dimensionally preformed guide or diagnostic catheter to selectively engage the ostium of a right coronary artery in a human includes: a torque-transmitting proximal shaft that receives manipulation by a user outside a human body in which the catheter is used; and a distal shaft that is responsive to torque transmitted by the proximal shaft. The distal shaft includes a preformed support section having at least a segment that abuts a posterior interior surface of the ascending aorta of the human body. The distal shaft also includes a preformed ostium entry section extending from the support section. In one implementation, the ostium entry section transitions from the support segment abutting the aortic wall to a distal tip end by way of at least two angles which provide smoother transition than a single sharp angle.

Abstract: A wire housed within a sheath is formed of a shape-retentive and resilient material having a curved shape at its distal-end region resulting in the catheter sheath having the curved shape. The catheter sheath also has an axially oriented tendon for causing deflection of the distal-end region. A movable outer sleeve surrounds the sheath and conforms the portion of the wire positioned within the outer sleeve to the shape of the outer sleeve. Upon relative displacement of the sheath and the outer sleeve a portion of the sheath extends beyond the outer sleeve and resumes its preformed curved distal shape thereby forcing the catheter distal-end region into the same curved shape. The operator may adjust the relative positions of the sheath and outer sleeve to changes the shape of the distal-end region. The operator may also axially move the tendon to adjust the radius or curvature of the distal-end region.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A multiple catheter system is described. In one embodiment a medical catheter system includes a first catheter having an entrance orifice, an exit orifice, a channel connecting the entrance orifice and the exit orifice, and a wall surrounding the channel. In this embodiment the hardness of the wall surrounding the channel decreases in hardness then increasing in hardness and then decreasing in hardness again when considered from an initial reference point at the entrance orifice and traveling towards the exit orifice. Another medical catheter system includes a first catheter having an entrance orifice, an exit orifice, a channel linking the entrance orifice and the exit orifice, and a first wall surrounding the channel wherein the first wall has a bendable curve memory portion.