Abstract: Catheter devices having an expandable balloon for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site. In one aspect, one or more sheaths are disposed around the balloon with the therapeutic agent being disposed within the sheath, being disposed over the sheath, being contained in the space between the sheath and the balloon, or being otherwise associated with the sheath. In another aspect, the balloon includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) for drug delivery.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate generally to medical devices that are useful for delivering one or more therapeutic agents to a body tissue of a subject, and methods for making and using such devices. In particular, the embodiments relate to a medical device such as a stent having a sidewall structure comprising a plurality of struts, in which one or more therapeutic agents are released from different surfaces of the struts at different release profiles. More particularly, the embodiments relate to a stent having a sidewall structure comprising a plurality of struts, in which the two side surfaces of each strut are coated with a coating composition that is different from the coating composition used to coat the outer surface and/or inner surface of the strut.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are detachment mechanisms for vaso-occlusive devices that allow for rapid operator-controlled release of the vaso-occlusive device into the selected site. Also disclosed are vaso-occlusive assemblies comprising these detachment mechanisms and methods of using these detachment mechanisms and vaso-occlusive assemblies.

Abstract: A medical device such as a catheter may have an elongate shaft that includes a hypotube having a helical cutting formed therein. The elongate shaft may define a lumen that extends within the elongate shaft. An electroactive polymer may be disposed over at least a portion of the hypotube. A medical device may include a spiral cut hypotube having a constant pitch and may be configured to reversibly and temporarily alter the pitch of at least a portion of the spiral cut hypotube. In some cases, the medical device may be configured to reversibly and/or temporarily alter a compressive strength of at least a portion of the spiral cut hypotube.

Abstract: A method includes: providing a substrate, depositing a ceramic and an extractable material onto the substrate, forming a porous structure in the ceramic by removing the extractable material, and utilizing the ceramic in an endoprosthesis. An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, including a coating formed of a ceramic and an extractable material that can be removed from the coating to form voids is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly configured for treatment of a vessel bifurcation. The catheter assembly includes a catheter shaft and first and second balloons. The second balloon extends radially outward relative to the first balloon when expanded. A valve arrangement controls expansion of the second balloon. Portions of the valve arrangement can be positioned at proximal and distal end portions of the catheter shaft. Typically, the first balloon is expanded followed by expansion of the second balloon. A stent having a lateral branch opening is operatively mounted to the first balloon. The second balloon is configured to extend through the lateral branch opening when the second balloon is expanded.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a system for treating body lumens, comprising stents, such as intravascular stents. More particularly, the invention is directed to stents having extensions attached on the ends thereof. The invention is also directed to methods for making and using such stents.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, medical devices are provided which contain at least one polymeric region. The polymeric region contains at least one copolymer, which includes at least one high Tg vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one low Tg monomer. Moreover, the polymeric region contains at least one surface sub-region that is crosslinked and at least one bulk sub-region that is substantially non-crosslinked. According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided which includes exposing a polymeric region of a medical device to energetic species such that at least one surface sub-region of the polymeric region becomes crosslinked and at least one bulk sub-region remains substantially non-crosslinked. The polymeric region contains at least one copolymer, which includes at least one high Tg vinyl aromatic monomer and at least one low Tg monomer.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery through a vessel including an extensor segment and first and second anchor segments positioned on either side of the extensor segment, wherein each segment has associated with it an individually-addressable electro-active polymer.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method of forming a medical device is provided, which includes: (a) contacting a substrate with a solution that contains (i) one or more types of polymers, (ii) a solvent that contains one or more types of solvent species, and (iii) one or more optional agents, for example, one or more therapeutic agents, among others; and (b) removing the solvent from the solution, thereby forming a polymeric layer on the substrate. The composition of the solution is changed over the course of forming the polymeric layer. In another aspect of the invention, a medical device is provided, which includes a substrate and a polymeric layer over the substrate. The polymeric layer contains a copolymer that contains differing first and second monomers. The lower surface of the polymeric layer contacting the substrate has a surface concentration of the first monomer relative to the second monomer that is higher than that of the upper surface of the polymeric layer opposite the substrate.

Abstract: A catheter tip has an outer surface section, an inner surface section, a spatial configuration and at least one segment of electroactive polymer. The inner surface section defines a guide wire lumen. The electroactive polymer has an actuated state and a non-actuated state. In an actuated state, the electroactive polymer alters the spatial configuration of the catheter tip.

Abstract: A stent assembly has a first stent body and a second stent body. The first stent body defines a first lumen having a first longitudinal axis therethrough, and the second stent body defines a second lumen having a second longitudinal axis therethrough. An end of the second stent body is hingedly engaged to a portion of the first stent body, and the first lumen and the second lumen are in fluid communication with one another. The stent assembly has a undeployed and a deployed state. In the undeployed state the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis are substantially parallel to one another and the second lumen is positioned entirely within the first lumen. In the deployed state the second longitudinal axis forms an oblique angle with the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for centering an intravascular filter within a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an intravascular filter, a filter sheath adapted to contain the intravascular filter, and a centering member adapted to assume a preset shape when deployed within a blood vessel. The centering member may comprise an elongated wire having a hoop section adapted to radially expand against the inner wall of the blood vessel when deployed. In some embodiments, multiple centering members can be employed to facilitate centering of both the intravascular filter and the filter sheath within the blood vessel, if desired.

Abstract: A filter device positionable within a blood vessel for trapping emboli in the vessel, the filter device having a head and a plurality of divergent legs each secured at a first end to the head; each leg having one or more hooks at a second end. The hooks can include an expandable and contractible sleeve or hook that provides securing means for the legs and which also allows for easy removal of the filter device.