Abstract: A medical device comprising a support member adjacent to a first member and a second member, the first and second members may be laser welded to one another by directing radiation absorbable by the first and second members at the first and second members. The support member is provided adjacent to the first member and is constructed and arranged to substantially reflect or substantially transmit radiation at one or more frequencies absorbable by at least one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheters used for delivering medical devices. The catheter incorporates sleeves which aid in containing the medical device on the catheter, wherein the sleeves have portions comprising high modulus material to aid in the function of the sleeves.

Abstract: A method of making a medical device includes compressing a prosthesis, e.g., a therapeutic agent-carrying stent or stent-graft, to a catheter without contacting an outer surface of the prosthesis, e.g., by electromagnetically compressing the prosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system comprises an inner tube and at least one securement hub disposed about the distal end of the inner tube. The securement hub comprises an inner layer of material and an outer layer of material. The inner layer of material is more rigid than the outer layer of material. A balloon, in fluid communication with an inflation lumen, may be disposed about the securement hub and the distal end of the inner tube. The medical device delivery system may be used to deliver medical devices such as stents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraluminal medical device formed of a first base material and having a second material inlaid in the base material wherein at least one of said first material and said second material is more radiopaque than the other. The second material may be inlaid in the first either by swaging, rolling, or by coextruding the two materials. The second radiopaque material forms a substantially smooth surface with the first base material.

Abstract: A stent retaining sleeve which may be employed with a stent delivery system. The sleeves having two tubular components which are engaged to one another. The first component is an elastomeric tube which is designed to be disposed about the end of a stent and the portion of the catheter immediately adjacent thereto. The first component includes an inner surface which may be at least partially prelubricated with a lubricant. The second sleeve component is a second elastomeric tube which partially overlaps at least a portion of the first tube and is engaged thereto. A second portion of the second tube is constructed and arranged to engage a portion of the catheter shaft immediately adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state. The stent is positioned around the distal portion of the catheter and is thereby expanded. The system further comprises retaining sleeves which are attached to the catheter and abut the ends of the stent to prevent axial movement and to aid in the retention of the stent.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which includes a stent delivery catheter, the stent delivery catheter having a stent mounting region, the stent mounting region having an inflatable portion. A stent is disposed about the stent mounting region, the stent having an unexpanded position and an expanded position. At least one stent retaining sleeve is also included having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the stent delivery catheter, the at least one stent retaining sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the stent in the unexpanded position, the stent retaining sleeve being constructed and arranged to retract toward the attached first end when the stent is expanded.

Abstract: This invention relates to catheters used for delivering medical devices. The catheter incorporates sleeves which aid in containing the medical device on the catheter, wherein the sleeves have portions comprising high modulus material to aid in the function of the sleeves.

Abstract: A catheter for delivery of a prosthesis comprises an expandable member which includes a portion which foreshortens longitudinally upon radial expansion of the expandable member.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which utilizes a stent delivery catheter to deliver a stent into a body lumen. The stent delivery catheter being equipped with at least one stent retaining sleeve. The at least one stent retaining sleeve having an inside surface and an outside surface. The inside surface, outside surface, or both, having a coating which is lubricious.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprising a catheter. The catheter having a catheter shaft, and a balloon mounted thereto. A stent is disposed about at least a portion of the balloon. The stent having an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The stent being retained on the balloon in the unexpanded state by at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve having a first portion engaged to the catheter and a second portion at least partially overlaying an end of the stent when the stent is in the unexpanded state. At least one membrane is disposed about a portion of the stent. The at least one membrane constructed and arranged to prevent portions of the stent thereunder from flaring out during advancement of the catheter.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprising a catheter, an inflatable portion, a stent, and a pair of stent retaining sleeves. The inflatable portion having ends which are rounded in shape providing a hemispherical contour. The inflatable portion further being characterized as having a non-inflated state and an inflated state. The pair of stent retaining sleeves having first portions which overlie the ends of the inflatable portion and are shaped to correspond to the contour of the ends of the inflatable portion. The pair of stent retaining sleeves having second portions which are attached to the catheter. The stent disposed about the inflatable portion, and having margins. The first portions of the sleeves at least partially overlying the margins of the stent when the inflatable portion is in the non-inflated state. The stent being released from the sleeves when the inflatable portion is inflated to the inflated state.

Abstract: A stent delivery system having one or more stent retaining sleeves. The at least one sleeve having at least one lubricant application port, the at least one lubricant application port defining an opening through the at least one sleeve. The opening constructed and arranged to allow a lubricious substance to pass through the at least one sleeve and at least partially coat a portion of the balloon and/or stent positioned thereunder.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a support member adjacent to a first member and a second member, the first and second members may be laser welded to one another by directing radiation absorbable by the first and second members at the first and second members. The support member is provided adjacent to the first member and is constructed and arranged to substantially reflect or substantially transmit radiation at one or more frequencies absorbable by at least one of the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which utilizes a stent delivery catheter to deliver a stent into a body lumen. The stent delivery catheter being equipped with at least one stent retaining sleeve. The at least one stent retaining sleeve having an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The inside diameter having a surface which is lubricious.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon catheter having a guide wire lumen, an inflation lumen, and a one-way valve disposed within the inflation lumen, the one-way valve allowing fluid flow from the guide wire lumen into the inflation lumen and balloon. One method for preparing the catheter for use includes blocking the guide wire lumen proximal port and injecting inflation fluid into the guide wire lumen distal port. The injected fluid flows through the one-way valve into the inflation lumen and exits through the inflation lumen proximal port. One catheter includes a proximal switchable valve having bleed and inflation positions. This catheter provides a small distal profile and allows for bleeding the catheter while inflation equipment is attached to the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion, said expandable portion having a proximal end, a distal end and distal expansion means, said expandable portion being adapted for expansion at its distal end, from its distal end to its proximal end.