Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Kevin M Klitz

Roger Noel Hastings

Thomas Jerome Bachinski

Todd Allen Berg

Scott P Thome

Brian J Scovil

John W Humphrey

Janet L Jacobsen

Jeffrey M Welch

Kevin Kang

The present invention is a device and method for controlling longitudinal movement of a tube relative to a shaft slidably disposed within the tube, especially in the catheterization of a patient. An operative segment on the shaft cooperates with an ancillary tool to create a coupling force field between the shaft and the tool. The tube can then be moved over the shaft while the coupling force field operates through the tube to restrict the movement of the shaft. In the preferred embodiment, the shaft is a guide wire and the tube is a catheter with a lumen for slidably receiving the guide wire, while the coupling force field is created magnetically. In one embodiment, the operative segment is borne on a short guide wire extension which is selectively securable to a standard guide wire.

Shaft movement control apparatus

Guide catheter unibody and method for manufacturing such a catheter. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention is a unibody guide catheter for use in percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures. The catheter includes a base layer and a structural layer formed over the base layer. The structural layer includes strands which cross at a plurality of points, the strands being attached together for structural integrity at a substantial number of points where they cross. The structural layer may be at least partially embedded in the base layer. Additionally, a cover layer is formed over the structural layer.

Guide catheter unibody

Guide catheter exchange device and method of exchanging a guide catheter. The guide catheter exchange device includes a magnetically responsive segment located on a proximal end for maintaining a previously placed guide wire in position across a stenosis, while performing a guide catheter exchange procedure. The guide catheter exchange device allows a guide catheter exchange procedure to be performed by a solo physician.

Shaft movement control apparatus and method

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Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Kevin M Klitz