Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus suitable for treating a medical condition at a target site. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of strands, each having proximal and distal regions, wherein the plurality of strands are twisted in a generally helical manner to form a tubular shape. The proximal and distal regions of each of the plurality of strands comprise a contracted configuration adapted for delivery to the target site. Further, the distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands comprises an expanded, radially deployed configuration adapted to facilitate treatment of the medical condition. The distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands may be deployed in a self-expanding or balloon-expandable manner.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus suitable for treating a medical condition at a target site. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of strands, each having proximal and distal regions, wherein the plurality of strands are twisted in a generally helical manner to form a tubular shape. The proximal and distal regions of each of the plurality of strands comprise a contracted configuration adapted for delivery to the target site. Further, the distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands comprises an expanded, radially deployed configuration adapted to facilitate treatment of the medical condition. The distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands may be deployed in a self-expanding or balloon-expandable manner.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus suitable for treating a medical condition at a target site. In one embodiment, the apparatus has a plurality of strands, each having proximal and distal regions, wherein the plurality of strands are twisted in a generally helical manner to form a tubular shape. The proximal and distal regions of each of the plurality of strands have a contracted configuration adapted for delivery to the target site. Further, the distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands has an expanded, radially deployed configuration adapted to facilitate treatment of the medical condition. The distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands may be deployed in a self-expanding or balloon-expandable manner.

Abstract: An introducer or delivery system for introducing implants or medical devices such as embolic protection devices within a patient allows deployment within vessels having a tortuous anatomy. The delivery system includes an actuator wire within the delivery catheter which enables the delivery catheter to be bent near a distal end thereof upon actuation of the actuator wire.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide apparatus suitable for treating a medical condition at a target site. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of strands, each having proximal and distal regions, wherein the plurality of strands are twisted in a generally helical manner to form a tubular shape. The proximal and distal regions of each of the plurality of strands comprise a contracted configuration adapted for delivery to the target site. Further, the distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands comprises an expanded, radially deployed configuration adapted to facilitate treatment of the medical condition. The distal region of at least one of the plurality of strands may be deployed in a self-expanding or balloon-expandable manner.

Abstract: A pre-clot dilator is described that may be used to dilate hardened regions of an occluded region. The pre-clot is provided with one or more struts that extend along a surface of a balloon. Each strut has a proximal fixed end and a distal free end. The distal free end extends past the distal end of the shaft. The distal free end is designed with a penetrating tip that is capable of boring through a proximal portion of the occlusion. Expansion of the balloon allows the strut to pivot about the proximal fixed end of the strut, thereby producing a force sufficient to push out the occlusion towards the vessel wall. The balloon may be deflated so that the strut can collapse over the balloon to create a low profile which enables distal advancement deeper into the occlusion. The procedure is repeated until the occlusion is separated.