Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish defining an opening into the container, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the sidewall defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one substantially transversely-oriented pressure panel located in the lower portion. The pressure panel is movable between an outwardly-inclined position and an inwardly-inclined position to compensate for a change of pressure inside the container. The standing surface defines a standing plane, and the entire pressure panel is located between the standing plane and the upper portion of the container when the pressure panel is in the outwardly-inclined position.

Abstract: Balloon catheters and methods of making and using the same. A balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled thereto. A traction member may be coupled to the balloon catheter adjacent the balloon and may extend along a portion or all of the length of the balloon. The traction member can improve traction between the balloon and a target site.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter and methods of making and using the same. The balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. A cutting member or blade may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting member may include one or more traction members or a traction region that can, for example, improve traction between the balloon and a target site.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter and methods for making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. Manufacturing the cutting balloon catheter may include partially submerging or embedding a cutting member within a joining member and attaching the joining member to a balloon. The cutting member may include one or more slots along its base that can interlock with the joining member.

Abstract: Medical devices can be formed from medical device components that are bonded together with an adhesive that resists stresses caused by adhesive curing. In particular, a medical device can include a first component and a second component. The second component can be configured to fit at least partially over the first component. An aerated adhesive layer can be formed or disposed between the first and second components.

Abstract: An elastically distensible folding member is disclosed. The folding member can be formed with a wall that is substantially shaped as a tube when the folding member is in a relaxed (i.e. unstressed) state. The tubular shaped folding member defines a tube axis and can have an axially aligned slit that extends through the wall. The folding member can be used to cover an incising element that is attached to the balloon and positioned in the lumen of the tubular folding member. During balloon inflation, the folding member can be deformed to expose the tip of the incising element to allow for a tissue incision.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft and a balloon coupled to the shaft. The balloon may include one or more cutting edges or member and may include a plurality of chambers defined therein.

Abstract: Disclosed here within is the method of manufacture of a reinforced and flexible tube or catheter that can be used in a variety of applications. The first method of embedding the metallic coil or braided wire comprises the steps of engaging the metallic structure over the outer surface of the tubular member, applying heat through an appropriately sized mold to the outer surface of the tubular member while creating a pressure differential between the inner lumen and the outside surface of the tubular member for a specified period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed here within is the method of manufacture of a reinforced and flexible tube or catheter that can be used in a variety of applications. The reinforced and flexible tube comprises a thermoplastic tubular member that is surrounded by a helical coil or braided member which is partially or completely embedded within the outer surface of the tubular member. Alternatively, the reinforced and flexible tube can comprise a thermoplastic tubular member that which has a helical coil or braided member that is partially or completely embedded within the inner surface of the tubular member.