Boston Scientific Corporation

Douglas J Daniels

Michael S Banik

Christopher A Rowland

James C Wang

Richard M DeMello

Charles B Warich

Thomas A Svatek

Albert Chin

James B Daigle

John F Hartnett

Robert E Reid

John E Abele

Donald E Robinson

Stephen R Thistle

A catheter for diagnosing and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an elongated catheter shaft, and optical fibers, extending through the catheter shaft, for transmitting light to tissue located at a distal end of the catheter and conveying light back from the tissue for analysis by a spectroscopic diagnosis system to determine whether an interventional procedure should be performed on the tissue. An interventional device is located at the distal end of the catheter for engaging tissue diagnosed by the spectroscopic diagnosis system in order to perform the interventional procedure on the tissue. An assembly for imaging and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an endoscope in combination with an endoscopically insertable catheter having an ultrasound imaging device for imaging a tissue structure located at a distal end of the endoscope so as to enable the depth of penetration of the tissue structure to be displayed, and an endoscopically insertable interventional device for engaging the tissue structure imaged by the ultrasound imaging device.

Diagnosing and performing interventional procedures on tissue in vivo

Implements, particularly medical instruments, formed at least in part of elongated polymer members, exhibit high torque fidelity after processing with tension, heat, and twisting. The processing orients the polymer in generally helical paths so that torque imposed at the proximal end can be transmitted to the distal end without substantial whipping, even if the implement follows a long and tortuous pathway. Applications include medical guidewires, catheters, and driveshafts.

Polymeric implements for torque transmission

A catheter for diagnosing and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an elongated catheter shaft, and optical fibers, extending through the catheter shaft, for transmitting light to tissue located at a distal end of the catheter and conveying light back from the tissue for analysis by a spectroscopic diagnosis system to determine whether an interventional procedure should be performed on the tissue. An interventional device is located at the distal end of the catheter for engaging tissue diagnosed by the spectroscopic diagnosis system in order to perform the interventional procedure on the tissue. An assembly for imaging and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an endo scope in combination with an endoscopically insertable catheter having an ultrasound imaging device for imaging a tissue structure located at a distal end of the endoscope so as to enable the depth of penetration of the tissue structure to be displayed, and an endoscopically insertable interventional device for engaging the tissue structure imaged by the ultrasound imaging device.

A surgical instrument useful for laparoscopic surgery comprising an insulated shaft, a control means and a connection to an electrosurgical radiofrequency power source, its distal end being of general J-hook form having a tissue-engaging ledge, and the shaft supporting a tissue-engaging clamping or cutting member movable toward the ledge in response to the control means so that an artery or other tissue in the pocket of the J-hook can be clamped or cut while radiofrequency current is applied. Instrument constructions disclosed incorporate one or two clamping members and a cutting member arranged such that with actuation, the clamping member(s) engages the ledge before the cutting member, and, by selective actuation of the electrosurgical power source, coagulation current can be applied while clamping an artery or other tissue against the ledge to stop flow of blood, and by further actuation of the control and suitable current to the cutting member, the artery or tissue may be cut. Selector means enable movement of one and prevent movement of one of the members during actuation; bipolar or monopolar energization is employed; the relatively long leg of the J-member has portals. Communicating through a lumen in the shaft for infusion or aspiration of fluid; the distal end surface of the J-hook defines a cutting edge for blunt dissection; and the control means comprises a single actuatable member by actuator rods for sealing clamp and cutting members, while a compression spring associated with the actuating rod of the sealing clamp member compresses when the clamp member is stopped, in clamping action upon the artery or tissue while cutting of tissue thereafter proceeds. A diamond film on tissue-engaging surfaces of a clamp, grasping or cutting surgical instrument improves heat transfer between tissue and instrument.

Surgical instrument and method

Growing community of inventors

Mendon, MA, United States of America

Douglas J Daniels