Abstract: A method and device include attaching a tether portion of a sleeve to a distal end of a catheter, placing the distal end of the catheter into a selected position within a vessel, moving a stent through a lumen of the catheter, retentively engaging a first end of the stent with a distal end of the sleeve, and detaching the sleeve about the tether portion such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the stent at the selected position within the vessel.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve and delivery system adapted to facilitate transapical or transfemoral implantation of a prosthetic heart valve, the delivery system comprising an elongated sheath or shaft have one or more loop stabilization wires adapted to circumscribe and crimp a metallic stent, the loop stabilization wires releasable with retraction of an engagement pin to expand the metallic stent and anchor the same in native tissue within the circulatory system of a patient.

Abstract: Various devices are described to provide filtering of flow from the aorta to the left carotid artery and the right carotid artery. The filters can be brought into a desired position through one or more peripheral arteries. A single filter device can provide the desired filtering or a plurality of devices can be used. In particular a single filter device can span between the brachiocephalic artery and the left carotid artery. These filter devices can be used effectively to capture emboli generated during procedures on the heart so that emboli do not travel to the patient's brain where the emboli can cause a stroke or other adverse event. In particular, these filters can be used during percutaneous procedures on the heart, such as endovascular heart valve replacement.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction extension interfaced with a guide catheter to form a continuous suction lumen extending through a portion of the guide catheter and through the suction extension. The suction extension can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. The suction extension can comprise a connecting section with a non-circular cross section for interfacing with the inner lumen of an engagement section of the guide catheter. Proximal fittings attached to the guide catheter can facilitate safe removal of the catheter system from the patient by allowing for the removal of some or all of a tubular extension of the suction extension from the guide catheter behind a hemostatic seal.

Abstract: Various devices are described to provide filtering of flow from the aorta to the left carotid artery and the right carotid artery. The filters can be brought into a desired position through one or more peripheral arteries. A single filter device can provide the desired filtering or a plurality of devices can be used. In particular a single filter device can span between the brachiocephalic artery and the left carotid artery. These filter devices can be used effectively to capture emboli generated during procedures on the heart so that emboli do not travel to the patient's brain where the emboli can cause a stroke or other adverse event. In particular, these filters can be used during percutaneous procedures on the heart, such as endovascular heart valve replacement.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction nozzle that can extend from a guide catheter of the like. The suction nozzle can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. A suction lumen extends from the proximal end of the guide catheter through at least part of the guide catheter central lumen and through the suction tip. Desirable suction flow can be established using the guide lumen to facilitate the suction. Also, a delivery catheter is described with an elastic tip that can track closely over a guidewire. The elastic tip of the delivery catheter can be expanded to provide for the delivery of medical devices past the tip.

Abstract: Filtration systems with integrated filter element(s) forming portions of the wall of the filtration catheter are disclosed. The filtration catheters disclosed herein are designed to be used alone or in conjunction with another filter device to provide embolic protection of both carotid arteries. Occlusive element such as balloon is placed on the exterior of the filtration catheter to redirect blood flow in the vessels during the filtration process as well as to help anchor the filtration catheter inside the vessel. The integrated filter element(s) does not require collapsing thus significantly reduces the complexity of the filtration system retrieval process and the chances of releasing emboli back into the blood stream. The compact design of the filtration systems makes them particularly suitable for embolic protection during endovascular procedures on or close to the heart.

Abstract: Three groups of guidewire embodiments are described with particularly suitable structures for navigating circuitous vessels, especially blood vessels of the brain. Some of the guidewires have a hyperbolic taper that provides desired flexibility. In some embodiments, an integrated guide structure provides for extension in the blood vessel of a corewire to provide for extended reach of the guidewire. In further embodiments, the guidewire has a flexible tip that can be guided directly by the flow in the vessel.

Abstract: Clot engagement element comprising bundle of unwoven fibers can be assembled to form an acute stroke treatment device. The device has the capability of forming a three dimensional filtration matrix comprising effective pores with a distribution of sizes. The bundle of fiber design allows the device to be effectively delivered into circuitous cerebral arteries to remove clot that causes stroke. The fiber bundle based filtration matrix offers the advantages of conforming to the changing inner perimeter of a blood vessel during a clot removal process and thus the capability to effectively retain and remove a clot in the vessel. The filtration matrix offers the additional advantage to trap any break-off of the clot during the removal process. A plurality of fiber bundles can be combined to form an effective clot engagement element. Supplemental engagement structure as well as mechanical treatment structure can be integrated into the stroke treatment device.

Abstract: Components and corresponding systems are described for providing removal of a clot or fragment thereof to address an acute ischemic stroke condition. In particular, a filter design is presented that provides metal elements below a bundle of polymer fibers to provide more mechanical strength while cushioning the vessel wall from direct contact with the metal elements. Designs of stent retrievers are presented with polymer covers or mounted on the exterior of a microcatheter. Corresponding systems are described that can use various combinations of the components, generally in combination with an aspiration catheter. Corresponding procedures are described that can effectively use the various devices and systems.

Abstract: Three groups of guidewire embodiments are described with particularly suitable structures for navigating circuitous vessels, especially blood vessels of the brain. Some of the guidewires have a hyperbolic taper that provides desired flexibility. In some embodiments, an integrated guide structure provides for extension in the blood vessel of a corewire to provide for extended reach of the guidewire. In further embodiments, the guidewire has a flexible tip that can be guided directly by the flow in the vessel.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction extension interfaced with a guide catheter to form a continuous suction lumen extending through a portion of the guide catheter and through the suction extension. The suction extension can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. The suction extension can comprise a connecting section with a non-circular cross section for interfacing with the inner lumen of an engagement section of the guide catheter. The tubular body of the guide catheter can have a reduced diameter distal section the can be useful to restrain the movement of the suction extension.

Abstract: Clot engagement element comprising bundle of unwoven fibers can be assembled to form an acute stroke treatment device. The device has the capability of forming a three dimensional filtration matrix comprising effective pores with a distribution of sizes. The bundle of fiber design allows the device to be effectively delivered into circuitous cerebral arteries to remove clot that causes stroke. The fiber bundle based filtration matrix offers the advantages of conforming to the changing inner perimeter of a blood vessel during a clot removal process and thus the capability to effectively retain and remove a clot in the vessel. The filtration matrix offers the additional advantage to trap any break-off of the clot during the removal process. A plurality of fiber bundles can be combined to form an effective clot engagement element. Supplemental engagement structure as well as mechanical treatment structure can be integrated into the stroke treatment device.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction extension interfaced with a guide catheter to form a continuous suction lumen extending through a portion of the guide catheter and through the suction extension. The suction extension can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. The suction extension can comprise a connecting section with a non-circular cross section for interfacing with the inner lumen of an engagement section of the guide catheter. The tubular body of the guide catheter can have a reduced diameter distal section the can be useful to restrain the movement of the suction extension.

Abstract: Components and corresponding systems are described for providing removal of a clot or fragment thereof to address an acute ischemic stroke condition. In particular, a filter design is presented that provides metal elements below a bundle of polymer fibers to provide more mechanical strength while cushioning the vessel wall from direct contact with the metal elements. Designs of stent retrievers are presented with polymer covers or mounted on the exterior of a microcatheter. Corresponding systems are described that can use various combinations of the components, generally in combination with an aspiration catheter. Corresponding procedures are described that can effectively use the various devices and systems.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction extension interfaced with a guide catheter to form a continuous suction lumen extending through a portion of the guide catheter and through the suction extension. The suction extension can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. The suction extension can comprise a connecting section with a non-circular cross section for interfacing with the inner lumen of an engagement section of the guide catheter. The tubular body of the guide catheter can have a reduced diameter distal section the can be useful to restrain the movement of the suction extension. Proximal fittings attached to the guide catheter can facilitate safe removal of the catheter system from the patient by allowing for the removal of some or all of a tubular extension of the suction extension from the guide catheter behind a hemostatic seal.

Abstract: Collagen crosslinking/stabilization composition optionally in combination with elastin crosslinking composition as treatment of vascular aneurysms, methods of using the compositions, especially with respect to in vivo procedures are described. The treatment is achieved through the delivery of an effective amount of crosslinking/stabilization composition to the site of the aneurysm. The crosslinking/stabilization agent may be embedded in a delivery composition and delivered to the site of aneurysm using a delivery device. The site of the aneurysm may be isolated for treatment using the delivery device. The elastin stabilization agent may be simultaneously or sequentially delivered with the collagen crosslinking/stabilization agent for the treatment of vascular aneurysms in the isolated section of blood vessel.

Abstract: Devices for the isolation of a selected portion of a vessel are described. In some embodiments, the device comprises an introducer sheath and a sealing catheter that are movable relative to each other to create an isolated volume with adjustable size and location. The methods for the treatment of vascular aneurysms using the devices are described. The treatment is achieved through the delivery of an effective amount of stabilization agent to an isolated volume that encompass the aneurysm. The device optionally has an aspiration means to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction extension interfaced with a guide catheter to form a continuous suction lumen extending through a portion of the guide catheter and through the suction extension. The suction extension can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. The suction extension can comprise a connecting section with a non-circular cross section for interfacing with the inner lumen of an engagement section of the guide catheter. The tubular body of the guide catheter can have a reduced diameter distal section the can be useful to restrain the movement of the suction extension.

Abstract: Devices for the treatment of vascular aneurysms are described. The treatment is achieved through the delivery of an effective amount of elastin stabilization agent to an isolated volume at the aneurysm. The elastin stabilization agent maybe embedded in a delivery composition. The device optionally has an aspiration means to improve the effectiveness of the treatment.