Abstract:
Catheters with weeping balloons can be used for various medical purposes. For example, in some embodiments provided herein weeping balloons are used for catheter visualization devices. In some embodiments, weeping balloons are used to deliver therapeutic agents. Weeping balloons can include openings of a selected size and shape through which a fluid gradually flows or “weeps.” The design of the openings can affect performance characteristics such as, but not limited to, fluid flow rate, tear resistance, and mitigation of counter-flow.
Abstract:
A medical device for measuring blood pressure includes a proximal shaft and a distal member including a slotted tube defining a distal lumen extending through the slotted tube, the distal lumen aligned with the proximal lumen and including a distal lumen inner surface. A distal cap is secured to the distal member, the distal cap including a distal cap inner surface defining a void space and an optical pressure sensor is disposed within the void space. A fiber optic cable is coupled to the optical pressure sensor and extends proximally through the distal lumen. A tolerance between an outer surface of the fiber optic cable and the inner surface of the distal lumen inner surface limits relative radial movement of the optical pressure sensor relative to the distal cap inner surface such that the optical pressure sensor is constrained from contacting the distal cap inner surface.
Abstract:
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a system for measuring blood pressure. The system may include a pressure sensing guidewire including a pressure sensor and a first optical fiber extending proximally from the pressure sensor. The system may also include an optical connector cable including a distal connector capable of being coupled to the guidewire. The optical connector cable may include a second optical fiber that is capable of optically communicating with the first optical fiber. A coupler may be disposed within the distal connector and disposed between the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.
Abstract:
Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a medical device for measuring blood pressure. The medical device may include an elongated shaft having a proximal region and a distal region. An optical fiber may extend along the proximal region. An optical pressure sensor may be coupled to the optical fiber. The medical device may also include a tubular member having a proximal end disposed adjacent to the optical pressure sensor and a distal portion extending along the distal region of the shaft.
Abstract:
A pressure sensing guidewire includes a distal end and a proximal end. The guidewire includes a tubular member having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The guidewire includes an optical pressure sensor disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member, and a polymer fiber optic cable extending proximally from the optical pressure sensor. The optical pressure sensor is located at a position that is about 3 centimeters or less from the distal end of the pressure sensing guidewire.
Abstract:
A pressure sensing medical device may include a guidewire including a tubular member having a lumen, the tubular member being translatable between a generally straightened position and a deflected position, and a pressure sensor attached at a distal end of a fiber optic extending within the lumen, the pressure sensor being disposed within a distal portion of the tubular member. The pressure sensor may include a pressure-sensitive membrane disposed on a distal end thereof. The pressure sensor may include one or more contact members capable of providing a contact point between the contact member and an inner surface of the tubular member when in the deflected position, the contact point being axially spaced apart from the membrane along a longitudinal axis of the pressure sensor.
Abstract:
A balloon catheter visualization device includes a handle, an elongate shaft, and an asymmetrical balloon. The elongate shaft includes a distal end, a proximal end, and defines a lumen and a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The proximal end is coupled to the handle. The asymmetrical-shaped balloon including a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion is coupled to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The proximal portion has one or more reinforcement features including a layer of material coupled to the asymmetrical-shaped balloon and forming an outer contour at the proximal portion of the asymmetrical-shaped balloon that is asymmetrical to an outer contour of the distal portion of the asymmetrical-shaped balloon.
Abstract:
Pressure sensing guidewires are disclosed. The pressure sensing guidewires may include a tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The distal portion may have a first wall thickness along a first region and a second wall thickness smaller than the first wall thickness along a second region. A pressure sensor may be disposed within the distal portion of the tubular member and housed within the second region. An anti-thrombogenic coating may be disposed on an inner surface, an outer surface, or both of the second region of the distal portion of the tubular member.
Abstract:
Medical device systems and methods for making and using medical device systems are disclosed. An example medical device system may include a guidewire. A pressure sensor assembly may be disposed within the guidewire. The pressure sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor and a first optical fiber coupled to the pressure sensor. The first optical fiber may have a first outer diameter. A cable may be coupled to the guidewire. The cable may include a second optical fiber. The second optical fiber may have a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter.