Abstract: Inverting tube apparatuses having an inverting tube (e.g., a knitted tube) that is configured to roll into an inversion support catheter and capture material from within a body lumen such as a blood vessel, in which the knitted tube is configured to prevent locking down onto the outside of the inversion support catheter. The inversion support catheter may include an expandable funnel at the distal end thereof having an interior profile that is adapted to capture and break apart hard material captured by the tractor so that it may be pulled into the inversion support catheter for removal.

Abstract: Inverting tube apparatuses and methods of using same for removing large amounts of material from a body lumen. The apparatuses and methods described herein may use a depot for holding, in a compressed configuration, a length of the flexible tube configured to invert over the distal end of an inversion support catheter to capture material within a body lumen. The depot is configured to facilitate the release of the flexible tube with a low release force, and in a manner that prevents snagging or binding of the flexible tube either on the body of the catheter or when rolling and inverting into the inversion support catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: Expandable support devices for tissue repair are disclosed. The devices can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Surgical devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged and surgically implanted by an engagement device and affixed to bone to provide stability and support for the devices. The expandable support devices are attachable to spinal fixation devices such as screws or plates, and may be used to support such devices when placed in weakened or damaged areas of bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: Expandable support devices for tissue repair are disclosed. The devices can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Surgical devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged and surgically implanted by an engagement device and affixed to bone to provide stability and support for the devices. The expandable support devices are attachable to spinal fixation devices such as screws or plates, and may be used to support such devices when placed in weakened or damaged areas of bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: A tool for working in a cavity to which access is limited is disclosed. The tool has an elongated sheath with a bore and an open end that is positionable within the cavity. A filamentary element is slidably positioned within the bore of the sheath. A portion of the filamentary element is extendible outwardly from the sheath through the open end and into the cavity. The filamentary element may be biased into a curved or helical shape, and may be a loop or may have an awl, a cutting blade, a scoop, hook, balloon or other piece attached to its end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: An expandable support device and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. The expandable support device can expand radially when compressed longitudinally. The expandable support device can be deployed in a bone, such as a vertebra, for example to repair a compression fraction. The expandable support device can be deployed into or in place of all or part of an intervertebral disc. The expandable support device can be deployed in a vessel, in an aneurysm, across a valve, or combinations thereof. The expandable support device can be deployed permanently and/or used as a removable tool to expand or clear a lumen and/or repair valve leaflets.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an implantable medical device comprising a hybrid composite material including a first biological component such as an acellular tissue matrix and a second non-biological component for strengthening the device after implantation.

Abstract: An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.

Abstract: An expandable support device for tissue repair is disclosed. The device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The device and method can be used to treat compression fractures. The compression fractures can be in the spine. The device can be deployed by compressing the device longitudinally resulting in radial expansion.

Abstract: An expandable support device, such as an ultra thin expanding stent device, for tissue repair is disclosed. The expandable support device can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. The expandable support device can have a substantially flat top plate and a substantially flat bottom plate. The top plate can be attached to the bottom plate by expandable struts.

Abstract: An access port for performing surgical procedures within an insufflated body cavity is disclosed. The port is formed from a duct that is inserted into the body cavity, the duct having a stiff sidewall to prevent collapse. The duct contains a flexible tube that has a constricted shape that forms a seal around a surgical instrument inserted through the duct. The tube has an inner membrane with a low coefficient of friction to facilitate passage of surgical instruments through the duct. The tube has an elastic outer membrane to bias it into the constricted shape. The tube may also be pressurized into the constricted shape by gas, gel or liquid. The tube itself may also form a seal in the absence of the tool, or a second seal, such as a duckbill valve, may be positioned within the duct.

Abstract: A device positionable in an opening in a flexible membrane or in the lumen of a vessel having a flexible sidewall. The device distends or biases opposite portions defining the opening or forming the vessel sidewall outwardly in the plane of the device. The outward biasing draws opposing portions of the opening or sidewall inwardly in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the device and into apposition or contact.

Abstract: A tool for implantation of a flexible substrate into soft tissue is disclosed. The tool has a shaft with a bore. A penetrator tip is positioned at a distal end of the shaft. A handle is positioned at the proximal end. A push rod extends through the bore and is attached at one end to the penetrator tip, and at the other end to a trigger mounted on the handle. The penetrator tip is biased toward the shaft by a spring and captures the substrate between itself and the shaft. The shaft is inserted into soft tissue, drawing the substrate with it. Pulling the trigger releases the substrate from the tool. The shaft is withdrawn, leaving the substrate within the tissue.