Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

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: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

Abstract: A platinum enhanced radiopaque alloy particularly suitable for manufacture of implantable and/or intravascular medical devices. A stent is one preferred medical device which is a generally tubular structure that is expandable upon implantation in a vessel lumen to maintain flow therethrough. The stent is formed from the alloy which has improved radiopacity relative to present utilized stainless steel alloys. This alloy preferably contains from about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. % platinum; from about 11 wt. % to about 18 wt. % chromium; about 5 wt. % to about 12 wt. % nickel and at least about 15 wt. % iron.

Abstract: Medical device systems and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Medical device systems and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for collapsing a balloon in the vasculature of a patient after an angioplasty procedure includes a balloon and at least one elastomeric member that is attached to the inner surface of the balloon at a plurality of attachment points. Preferably, the elastomeric member is an annular band that will stretch during balloon inflation. Consequently, when the balloon is deflated, the elastomeric member pulls on the balloon at its attachment points to return the balloon to a predetermined configuration, wherein the balloon collapses inwardly onto itself for subsequent removal of the balloon from the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.

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: 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: The present invention provides a non-invasive method of obtaining a sample of endometrial cells for use in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer, as well as methods and kits for diagnosing, determining the prognosis of, and monitoring endometrial cancer.

Abstract: A device for collapsing a balloon in the vasculature of a patient after an angioplasty procedure includes a balloon and at least one elastomeric member that is attached to the inner surface of the balloon at a plurality of attachment points. Preferably, the elastomeric member is an annular band that will stretch during balloon inflation. Consequently, when the balloon is deflated, the elastomeric member pulls on the balloon at its attachment points to return the balloon to a predetermined configuration, wherein the balloon collapses inwardly onto itself for subsequent removal of the balloon from the vessel.

Abstract: A device for incising a stenosis in the vasculature of a patient includes a plurality of blades mounted on a resilient base member. The blades are arranged in a pattern to allow for relative movement between adjacent blades. Specifically, at least one end portion of each blade is juxtaposed with an end portion of the next closest blade. The base member includes a first end affixed to a catheter at a location proximal to an inflatable balloon and a second end affixed to the catheter at a location distal to the inflatable balloon. When the balloon is inserted into the vasculature of a patient, positioned across a stenosis and subsequently inflated, the individually moveable blades form an effective cutting edge that conforms to the surface of the stenosis to effectively allow the stenosis to be incised to a substantially uniform depth.

Abstract: A device for incising a stenosis in the vasculature of a patient includes a plurality of blades mounted on a resilient base member. The blades are arranged in a pattern to allow for relative movement between adjacent blades. Specifically, at least one end portion of each blade is juxtaposed with an end portion of the next closest blade. The base member, in turn, is mounted on the external surface of an inflatable angioplasty balloon. When the balloon is inserted into the vasculature of a patient, positioned across a stenosis and subsequently inflated, the individually moveable blades form an effective cutting edge that conforms to the surface of the stenosis to effectively allow the stenosis to be incised to a substantially uniform depth.

Abstract: A device for collapsing a balloon in the vasculature of a patient after an angioplasty procedure includes a balloon and at least one elastomeric member that is attached to the inner surface of the balloon at a plurality of attachment points. Preferably, the elastomeric member is an annular band that will stretch during balloon inflation. Consequently, when the balloon is deflated, the elastomeric member pulls on the balloon at its attachment points to return the balloon to a predetermined configuration, wherein the balloon collapses inwardly onto itself for subsequent removal of the balloon from the vessel.