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 collett 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, among other advantages, ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.
Abstract:
An intraluminal device having an adhesive primer coat formed of a carbonaceous material and a lubricious top coat of a hydrophilic polymeric material. The invention also comprises the methods of making such intraluminal devices. The primer coat of the invention may comprise pure carbon, or a carbon based material such as a polymer. Preferably, the primer coat has a thickness of about 0.1 to about 2 mu m. In a presently preferred embodiment, the primer coat is applied using chemical vapor deposition (CVD), but in certain embodiments, physical vapor deposition (PVD) may be suitable. The deposited primer coat forms an effective substrate for adhesion of the hydrophilic polymer top coat.
Abstract:
An energizer for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, in one embodiment engages a proximal end of the guidewire and applies energy to be transmitted to a distal portion of the guidewire. A jack or other receptacle accommodates, in a releasably secured fashion, a proximal portion of the guidewire having a diameter that is not substantially larger than, but preferably is equal to or less than, the maximal diameter associated with the guidewire. The jack may be structured so that designated portions of the proximal end of the guidewire will be disposed in selective contact with corresponding portions of the jack in order to permit, for example, an electrical potential to be applied across such portions; thereby energizing an electrically controllable part of the guidewire, such as a steering mechanism. In this manner, the energizer permits rapid engagement and disengagement of a proximal portion of the guidewire. Equipment such as catheters may conveniently be fed coaxially over the proximal portion of the guidewire and up toward the distal end and conveniently exchanged with reduced complexity of, and disturbance to, the guidewire, its environment, and the energizing mechanism.
Abstract:
Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires (100), which may have a core wire (150), a slotted tubular member (130), or both. Embodiments may have coils (200; 345; 600; 114 1; 1143; 1243; 2238; 2266; 2441), including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils (200), extended coil tips (300), and soldered or glued mesial joint coils (1141; 1143; 1243). Core wires (150) may have a step (1551; 2151; 2152), ridge (1351), or taper (1253) at the joint (140) to the tubular member (130), and may have a flattened section (1057) at the distal tip (257). Radiopaque material (801; 802) may be located inside the tubular member (130), and the distal tip (138) may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members (730; 2062; 2130; 2162; 2439) or coils (200; 345; 600; 1141; 1143; 1243; 2238; 2266; 2441) may be used concentrically or in line and may enhance flexibility, provide radiopacity, reduce friction, or reduce material or manufacturing cost. Tubular members (130; 730; 2062; 2130; 2162; 2439) may be chamfered (231) or tapered continuously or incrementally. Slots (135) maybe arranged in-groups (235; 1635), such as groups of three (1635), and may be equal in depth or unequal in depth to provide a steerable or compressible tip.
Abstract:
Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires (100), which may have a core wire (150), a slotted tubular member (130), or both. Embodiments may have coils (200; 345; 600; 114 1; 1143; 1243; 2238; 2266; 2441), including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils (200), extended coil tips (300), and soldered or glued mesial joint coils (1141; 1143; 1243). Core wires (150) may have a step (1551: 2151: 2152), ridge (1351), or taper (1253) at the joint (140) to the tubular member (130), and may have a flattened section (1057) at the distal tip (257). Radiopaque material (801: 802) may be located inside the tubular member (130), and the distal tip (138) may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members (730; 2062; 2130; 2162; 2439) or coils (200; 345; 600; 1141; 1143; 1243; 2238; 2266; 2441) may be used concentrically or in line.
Abstract:
Medical devices for navigation through anatomy, including guidewires (100), which may have a core wire (150), a slotted tubular member (130), or both. Embodiments may have coils (200; 345; 600; 114 1; 1143; 1243; 2238; 2266; 2441), including non-circular cross-section edge-wound marker coils (200), extended coil tips (300), and soldered or glued mesial joint coils (1141; 1143; 1243). Core wires (150) may have a step (1551; 2151; 2152), ridge (1351), or taper (1253) at the joint (140) to the tubular member (130), and may have a flattened section (1057) at the distal tip (257). Radiopaque material (801; 802) may be located inside the tubular member (130), and the distal tip (138) may be heat treated to make it shapeable. Additional tubular members (730; 2062; 2130; 2162; 2439) or coils (200; 345; 600; 1141; 1143; 1243; 2238; 2266; 2441) may be used concentrically or in line and may enhance flexibility, provide radiopacity, reduce friction, or reduce material or manufacturing cost. Tubular members (130; 730; 2062; 2130; 2162; 2439) may be chamfered (231) or tapered continuously or incrementally. Slots (135) maybe arranged in-groups (235; 1635), such as groups of three (1635), and may be equal in depth or unequal in depth to provide a steerable or compressible tip.
Abstract:
The embodiments presented herein relate to concepts designed to eliminate the gap between a catheter and guide wire that can otherwise contribute to a catheter getting stuck within the vasculature.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for assessing bodily cavities and lumens utilzing an integrated, automated aerating device is described. The aeration device can selectively supply a gas and a liquid during ultrasound and radiographic procedures for enhanced visualization of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
Abstract:
Ein Führungsdraht (100) für einen Katheter, welcher zum Einbringen und/oder Entnehmen von Fluiden in menschlichen und/oder tierischen Hohlorganen, insbesondere in Blutgefässen, ausgelegt ist, umfassend einen länglichen Hohlschaft (110) mit einem Lumen (120) zum Zu- und/oder Abführen des Fluids, sowie eine koaxial an einem distalen Ende (117) des Hohlschafts (110) anschliessende Einführhilfe in Form einer flexiblen Drahtwendel (150) mit einer an einem distalen Ende (153) der Drahtwendel angeordneten Führungsdrahtspitze (170), wobei zur Steuerung einer Flexibilität des Führungsdrahts (100) im Lumen (120) des Hohlschafts (110) ein Kerndraht (130) angeordnet ist, welcher sich aus dem Lumen (120) heraus in einer longitudinalen Richtung durch die Drahtwendel (150) hindurch bis zur Führungsdrahtspitze (170) hin erstreckt, zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass ein in einer proximalen Richtung an die Führungsdrahtspitze (170) angrenzender distaler Innenbereich (151) der Drahtwendel (150) über einen neben dem Kerndraht (150) ausgebildeten Fluidkanal (151, 161, 155) mit dem Lumen (120) des Hohlschafts (110) kommuniziert und über wenigstens eine nach aussen offene Durchlassöffnung (154) für das ein- und/oder auszubringende Fluid verfügt.