Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device, which includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is at least in part disposed within the outer layer, and a loose-fill insulation disposed in the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer, where a piece of fiber mat is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer and forms a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer and a manufacturing method that includes placing a loose-fill insulation into the volume of space between an inner layer and an outer layer and positioning a piece of fiber mat between the outer layer and the inner layer to form a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume of space between the outer and inner layers.

Abstract: A hemostasis mechanism includes a deformable seal, and a plunger guided for translation within a housing to displace a fluid to a clearance extending between the deformable seal and the housing. The displaced fluid increases fluid pressure in the clearance to deform the deformable seal into sealing contact with a medical device. An actuator for the plunger includes a linkage having arms rotatable about first and second axes, and configured such that their rotation is converted into translation of the plunger. The linkage is adjustable from a retracted configuration to an advanced, cammed-over configuration.

Abstract: A hemostasis mechanism includes a housing, and a pressure responsive seal positioned within the housing and having an outer seal surface exposed to a fluid pressure of a port formed in the housing. A pressurization device is in fluid communication with the port, and includes a detent having a release state, and an engaged state holding a plunger of the pressurization device at an advanced position to maintain an increased fluid pressure supplied to the pressure responsive seal to maintain sealing engagement about a transluminal device. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hemostasis mechanism includes a deformable seal, and a plunger guided for translation within a housing to displace a fluid to a clearance extending between the deformable seal and the housing. The displaced fluid increases fluid pressure in the clearance to deform the deformable seal into sealing contact with a medical device. An actuator for the plunger includes a linkage having arms rotatable about first and second axes, and configured such that their rotation is converted into translation of the plunger. The linkage is adjustable from a retracted configuration to an advanced, cammed-over configuration.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device, which includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is at least in part disposed within the outer layer, and a loose-fill insulation disposed in the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer, where a piece of fiber mat is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer and forms a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer and a manufacturing method that includes placing a loose-fill insulation into the volume of space between an inner layer and an outer layer and positioning a piece of fiber mat between the outer layer and the inner layer to form a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume of space between the outer and inner layers.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device, which includes an outer layer, an inner layer that is at least in part disposed within the outer layer, and a loose-fill insulation disposed in the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer, where a piece of fiber mat is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer and forms a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume between the outer layer and the inner layer and a manufacturing method that includes placing a loose-fill insulation into the volume of space between an inner layer and an outer layer and positioning a piece of fiber mat between the outer layer and the inner layer to form a barrier that at least partially prevents the loss of the loose-fill insulation from the volume of space between the outer and inner layers.

Abstract: A method of electropolishing a medical implant is provided. During the electropolishing, an anodotic film forms around surfaces of the implant. Two or more ultrasonic transducers are oriented around the implant and are activated to disrupt the anodotic film. The ultrasonic transducers are activated only during a portion of the electropolishing process to allow the anodotic film to at least partially reform.

Abstract: A hemostasis mechanism includes a housing, and a pressure responsive seal positioned within the housing and having an outer seal surface exposed to a fluid pressure of a port formed in the housing. A pressurization device is in fluid communication with the port, and includes a detent having a release state, and an engaged state holding a plunger of the pressurization device at an advanced position to maintain an increased fluid pressure supplied to the pressure responsive seal to maintain sealing engagement about a transluminal device. Related methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical cutting device comprises a cannula attached to an actuation mechanism that moves the cannula from a cocked position to a cutting position, a stylet including a distal portion having a sharp distal end, a sample collection region, a vacuum port, and a lumen extending from the vacuum port to the sample collection region such that the sample collection region is in fluid communication with the first vacuum port. When the cannula is in the cocked position, the sample collection region of the stylet is disposed distal of the cannula. The device also includes a fixed volume vacuum source. When cannula is in the cocked position, the vacuum port is not in fluid communication with the fixed volume vacuum source, and when said cannula is in the cutting position, the vacuum port is in fluid communication with the fixed volume vacuum source.

Abstract: A process for electrostatically coating a stent on a catheter. A conductor which is permanently affixed to the catheter contacts a stent mounted on the catheter. Conductive ink applied to the catheter may be used as the conductor. An electrical charge is applied to the conductor. The stent is then coated using an electrostatic coating process.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to endolumenal medical devices coated with a taxane therapeutic agent in one or more solid form(s) having varying dissolution rates. Particularly preferred coatings comprise amorphous paclitaxel, dihydrate paclitaxel, or combinations thereof that provide durable coatings that release paclitaxel over a desired period of time, which can be on the order of hours, days or weeks. Preferred embodiments relate to medical device coatings of paclitaxel, or paclitaxel analogs or derivatives, having one or more polymorph solid forms that provide a prolonged release of paclitaxel within a body vessel without requiring a polymer carrier or barrier layer to achieve the desired rate of paclitaxel elution.

Abstract: An electropolishing apparatus and method are provided for polishing stents and other medical implants. The apparatus includes a motor that rotates a roller. The roller continuously rotates the medical implant to be electropolished. One of the advantages of the apparatus and method is that marks generated around the electrical contact between the anode and the medical implant are minimized. In addition, the medical implant is polished more evenly than conventional electropolishing systems.

Abstract: An electropolishing apparatus and method are provided for polishing stents and other medical implants. The apparatus includes a motor that rotates a roller. The roller continuously rotates the medical implant to be electropolished. One of the advantages of the apparatus and method is that marks generated around the electrical contact between the anode and the medical implant are minimized. In addition, the medical implant is polished more evenly than conventional electropolishing systems.

Abstract: An electropolishing apparatus and method are provided for polishing stents and other medical implants. The apparatus includes a motor that rotates a roller. The roller continuously rotates the medical implant to be electropolished. One of the advantages of the apparatus and method is that marks generated around the electrical contact between the anode and the medical implant are minimized. In addition, the medical implant is polished more evenly than conventional electropolishing systems.

Abstract: An introducer sheath has an inner liner having a first length comprising a major diameter, a second length comprising a minor diameter, and a tapered third length axially disposed between the first and second lengths. A coil is positioned over the inner liner and spans at least a portion of each of the first, second, and third lengths. An outer jacket is positioned longitudinally around the reinforcing member and the inner liner, and is bonded to the outer surface of the inner liner. The outer jacket has a first length comprising a major diameter, a second length comprising a minor diameter, and a tapered third length axially disposed between the first and second lengths. The outer diameter first, second, and third lengths substantially correspond to and are disposed radially outwardly of the respective inner liner first, second, and third lengths.

Abstract: A strengthened thin-walled catalytic converter substrate includes thin perimeter walls and thin interior walls defining cells and a catalyst washcoat selectively disposed on the substrate. Washcoat thickness is increased in those cells having the most impact on final catalyst strength, typically the outer cells defined by the perimeter walls. A method for maximizing overall catalyst strength with minimal substrate thermal mass includes selectively applying washcoat based on desired substrate strength and converter assembly method.

Abstract: An exhaust systems converter comprising an endplates, with an annular rings, positioned around both annular sides of a catalyst, an intumescent mat support wrapped around the catalyst and the annular rings, and an oversized shell which is sized to the endplates and welded in place.

Abstract: A relieved support material for a catalytic converter has a strip of support material with one or more relief cuts. This is used to insulate a segment of catalyst along with one or more inner end-cones positioned at the beginning and end of the converter. The support material is wrapped around the catalyst and the one or more inner end-cones. The wrapped support material is then covered with an outer-layer shell.

Abstract: A catalytic converter is constructed by measuring a substrate to be placed within the outer shell or can, wrapping the substrate in a selected mat and loading the package (mat and substrate) into the can. The can is larger than it will be at completion of manufacture to render such loading easier. Subsequent to loading, the measurement of the substrate is used to direct the degree to which the can is reduced in outside dimension such that a selected annulus is created between the substrate and can, said annulus being occupied by said mat.

Abstract: A short shell highly insulated converter includes a short shell forming a generally tubular body for housing a catalyst substrate. End cones having a wide-open end and a narrow open end comprise an inner wall forming a first opening at the wide-open end for engaging the catalyst substrate. The end cones further comprise an outer wall extending beyond the inner wall to form a second wider opening at the wide-open end for engaging the short shell. The inner wall and outer wall converge at the narrow open end to form a snout. A full-length insulating layer is disposed adjacent the catalyst substrate and is selected based upon the amount of overlap between the end cone and the catalyst substrate, the full-length insulating layer being substantially co-extensive with the catalyst substrate. A partial length insulating layer is disposed between the inner insulating layer and the short shell, the partial length insulating layer being generally co-extensive with the short shell.