Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Richard R Prather

Thomas Jerome Bachinski

Todd Allen Berg

Michael J Urick

Roger Noel Hastings

Daniel M Lafontaine

Thomas R Hektner

David J Serdar

William F Kratoska

John W Humphrey

Kenneth R Larson

Marian L Larson

Paul T Feld

David J Haskvitz

John H Randby

An intravascular device for measuring blood pressure and flow is disclosed, which includes an elongate shaft having a pressure transducer and a flow transducer connected to its distal end. The pressure transducer may be a ferrofluid-type pressure transducer and the flow transducer may be an anemometer-type flow transducer. Measurement circuitry is also disclosed which provides a means for simultaneous measurement of both blood pressure and blood flow parameters. A sensor shield may be employed to isolate radial blood flow which is indicative of turbulent blood flow. An alternative blood flow measurement device is also disclosed which utilizes a thin metal film anemometer to measure flow in a vascular lumen.

Intravascular pressure and flow sensor

Catheter and method of manufacturing such catheter. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having an interior lumen extending therethrough. The interior surface of the lumen is geometrically configured to reduce friction and increase catheter performance. Additionally, the geometrically configured inside surface allows dye or blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter when engaged in the coronary artery. The catheter may also include a geometrically configured outer surface at its distal end having perfusion channels to allow blood to perfuse past the distal end of the catheter during catheter engagement.

Catheter having geometrically shaped surface and method of manufacture

An intraluminal guidewire for use in medical procedures in general, and cardiovascular procedures in particular. A core wire is formed as the inner member of the guidewire. A distal helical coil is fixedly attached to the distal end of the core wire. A proximal helical coil is fixedly attached to the core wire proximally of the distal coil. The proximal end of the distal coil and the distal end of the proximal coil can be fixedly mounted in spaced relation on a flexible spacer sleeve. The two coils can be of different materials, such as stainless steel and gold, having significantly differing degrees of radiopacity. The sleeve can be a third degree of radiopacity, preferably selected to show a dark spot on a fluoroscope. The coils can be attached to the core wire by a flexible adhesive.

Guidewire having multiple radioscopic coils

An apparatus and method for a thin, flexible catheter guide wire having portions of uniform and tapering diameters, a helical coil of a first radiopacity encasing or covering the distal end of the wire, and at least one additional wire cover of a lubricous material which is formed to be radiopaque but which has a radiopacity different than that of the helical coil. This improved device enables the use of an improved method of placement with the use of fluoroscopy to steer and locate the guide wire, and thus the catheter ultimately placed over the guide wire, at a precise situs within the body.

Catheter guide wire with multiple radiopacity

An apparatus for and method of making a guide wire for use in medical procedures in general and cardiovascular procedures in particular. A core wire is formed as the inner member. A distal helix is fixedly attached to the distal end of the core wire. The core wire has tapers or is continuously tapered to achieve the desired handling characteristics. The distal helix is space wound, space wound and close wound, double wound, and/or ground to provide the desired radioscopic signature.

Guidewire having radioscopic tip

A guide wire, and a method for the manufacture thereof, having an unsmooth surface along a segment thereof. According to one aspect of the invention, the unsmooth surface is provided by a sleeve member disposed about a distal portion of a core member. The sleeve member is formed from an extruded polymer and has an unsmooth exterior surface.

Guide wire having an unsmooth exterior surface

Inflation apparatus for inflating a dilatation balloon of a catheter includes a frame having a first receiver supporting the barrel of a syringe. An operator has a second receiver supporting the plunger of the syringe. The syringe includes a fluid port for connecting the syringe chamber to the lumen of the catheter. A motor is supported by the frame and operatively connected to the operator to move the piston to change fluid pressure within the syringe chamber. A release device permits quick release of the pressure in the balloon catheter without the use of the motor. A pressure sensor is mounted to the frame to measure the pressure in the chamber through a diaphragm on the syringe. The pressure sensor operates a microprocessor-controlled display, which provides display of inflation and duration information and calculates other information. A circuit selectively operates the motor. An inflation control connected to the circuit permits operation of the motor at selected rates of inflation/deflation or to selected specific inflation pressures.

Power-assisted inflation apparatus

A guide wire, and methods of use thereof, comprising a main part, an extension part, and a connector. The connector connects the main part to the extension part such that the main part and the extension part can be rotated relative to each other.

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Rogers, MN, United States of America

Richard R Prather