Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a closure element can include a splittable carrier tube and a splitter to split the tube. The carrier tube can have an outer surface retaining a closure element in a tubular configuration and can be split into radially-expandable flaps. A closure element can have a shape-memory body having a relaxed configuration with a planar-annular body defining a lumen with tines directed inwardly from the body. The clip can be held in a retaining configuration having a substantially asymmetrically-elongated tubular shape with a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional profile and a proximal end having the tines being longitudinally directed with a first tine being more distally oriented compared to a substantially opposite second tine being more proximal, and retracting to a deploying configuration having a tubular shape with a rectangular longitudinal cross-sectional profile with the first tine being even with the second tine when being delivered.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture and method for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of an apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen is disclosed. The apparatus includes a locator assembly that has a distal end region configured to extend into an opening of the body lumen and to selectably engage at least a portion of the body lumen adjacent to the opening. The distal end region includes at least one surface engaging element that is configured to engage the surface of the body lumen. The apparatus includes a measuring device that is in electrical communication with the surface engaging element. The measuring device is configured to determine changes in measurable characteristics of the surface engaging element. Methods and apparatus for locating a surface of a body lumen are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mask for masking a stent during a coating procedure may include a mask body that has a negative pattern or an approximate negative pattern of a stent pattern being masked by the mask body. An apparatus for selectively coating a predetermined portion of a medical article may include a dispenser of a coating composition, a mask, a device for creating a relative movement between the mask and the medical article.

Abstract: Masking apparatus and methods of masking a medical article, such as stent, for selective application of a coating composition on the article are disclosed.

Abstract: A stent crimping apparatus is provided which includes a crimping assembly adapted to crimp the stent, a clamp assembly configured to secure the medical device; and a control unit configured to control the movement of the crimp assembly. The clamp assembly includes a lower clamp device defining a seating groove formed and dimensioned to seat a portion of the medical device therein, and a retaining assembly having an elastomeric member. This elastomeric member defines a contacting groove oriented in an opposed manner proximate to at least a portion of the seating groove. The clamp assembly further includes an actuation mechanism associated with the retaining assembly and the lower clamp device such that operation thereof causes the retaining assembly to move between an opened condition and a closed condition.

Abstract: An engaging element for engaging tissue is described. The engaging element may include a first member including at least one tissue engaging portion and a second member including at least one tissue engaging portion. The second member may be pivotally connected to the first member. The engaging element includes a locking mechanism operatively associated with the first and second member. The locking mechanism may be configured to inhibit the relative motion of the first and said second member. An engaging system for engaging tissue is described. The engaging system may include an engaging element for engaging tissue, a first member having at least one tissue engaging portion, and/or a second member including at least one tissue engaging portion. A method for engaging tissue is described. The method may include positioning an engaging element relative to an engaging element delivery device and/or to a portion of tissue.

Abstract: A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent is provided.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric tubular layer of an expandable medical device or component, in which the polymeric tubular layer is longitudinally compressed by longitudinally stretching a tube over the polymeric tubular layer and releasing the tube from the stretched configuration so that the length of the tube decreases and thereby decreases the length of the polymeric tubular layer. The resulting compressed polymeric tubular layer can be used in a variety of expandable medical devices and in one presently preferred embodiment it forms a catheter balloon having at least one layer.

Abstract: A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The crimping assembly includes a plurality of movable wedges disposed about a rotational axis to form a wedge assembly. Each wedge includes a respective first side and a second side converging to form a tip portion. The tip portions are arranged to collectively form an iris about the rotational axis thereof. The iris defining a crimp aperture about which the movable wedges are disposed. Each wedge is associated with a stationary structure and an rotational actuation unit such that during rotation of the actuation unit about the rotational axis, the iris is caused to rotate about the rotational axis, relative the stationary structure, for inward movement of the wedges to decrease the size of the aperture and outward movement of the wedges to increase the size of the aperture.

Abstract: A stent crimping assembly is provided for crimping a stent from a first diameter to a reduced second diameter. The assembly includes a set of two or more blade devices each having a proximal portion, a downstream distal portion, and a respective edge wall extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion. Each respective edge wall is oriented relative to one another, in a respective crimp position, to collectively define an elongated conical-shaped crimp aperture. The conical-shaped crimp aperture at the respective proximal portion of each blade is formed for receipt of at least a portion of the stent in the first diameter.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture and method for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: A stent mandrel fixture for supporting a stent during the application of a coating substance is provided.

Abstract: An introducer sheath. The introducer sheath includes a tubular body. The tubular body extends from a distal end toward a proximal end. The tubular body includes a lumen. The lumen is defined at least partially by a wall. The tubular body includes a secondary channel. The secondary channel is disposed within the wall. The secondary channel is configured to receive a guidewire.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which can crimp or compress an intraluminal device or measure the radial strength of an intraluminal device. The crimping assembly includes at least two moving-element subassemblies, each with a pair of moving elements. The moving elements having a first side and a second side joining at a tip. The moving-element subassembly is able to move in such a way that the moving elements move relative to each other from a first position with the tips offset from each other by a first distance, to a second position with the tips offset from each other by a second distance different than the first distance. The assembly also includes a movement assembly that interfaces with each of the moving-element subassemblies. The movement assembly moves the pairs of moving elements between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent is provided.

Abstract: A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent is provided.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. In one embodiment, the filtering assembly is attached to the distal end of a guidewire and is deployed within the patient's vasculature as the guidewire is manipulated into the area of treatment. A restraining sheath placed over the filtering assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Thereafter, the sheath can be retracted to expose the filtering assembly which will then self-expand within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A coating and drying apparatus for the application of a coating substance to a stent and drying the stent is provided.

Abstract: An assembly is provided which can crimp or compress an intraluminal device or measure the radial strength of an intraluminal device. The crimping assembly includes at least two moving-element subassemblies, each with a pair of moving elements. The moving elements having a first side and a second side joining at a tip. The moving-element subassembly is able to move in such a way that the moving elements move relative to each other from a first position with the tips offset from each other by a first distance, to a second position with the tips offset from each other by a second distance different than the first distance. The assembly also includes a movement assembly that interfaces with each of the moving-element subassemblies. The movement assembly moves the pairs of moving elements between the first position and the second position.