Abstract: A handle assembly for a delivery device the sequential release of trigger wires from a prosthesis to release the prosthesis from the delivery device. The handle assembly has two handles, one of which is a rotating handle. The rotating handle has a first and second trigger wire release mechanisms which operate to sequentially release a first and second trigger wire, respectively, and a locking mechanism. The other handle has a locking mechanism that prevents that operation of the second trigger wire release mechanism until the first trigger wire has been released.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a plurality of segments which can interlock rotatably relative to one another. A locking element extends through a lumen of the segments. When the locking element is in an unlocked condition the segments are able to rotate relative to one another. In this mode, the guide wire is very flexible. The locking element can be tightened to cause the segments to lock in engagement with one another and to fix the guide wire in position. In practice, the guide wire can be fixed in a curved or bent configuration, which enables the guide wire to provide a rigid support for a microcatheter or other element of an introducer assembly. The guide wire therefore can exhibit both extreme flexibility and stiffness.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a distal sheath and a proximal sheath. A splitting element is located at a proximal end of the distal sheath and is arranged to split the distal sheath in a distal direction, so as to deploy first a branch element of a medical device and thereafter the distal end of the medical device. The proximal sheath can then be retracted to release the proximal end of the medical device. Deployment of the medical device from the branch element first enables accurate positioning of the branch element prior to deployment of the main body portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A removable vena cava filter configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts, each having an anchoring hook and a stop member proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A wire guide for feeding a medical catheter through the body passage of a patient to a distant target site within the body has a variably flexible distal portion. The distal portion facilitates threading the guidewire in a tortuous path through acute bends at branch junctions in the body passages of the patient. The wire guide end is able to feed into very delicate vessels such as ventricles of the brain and the spinal canal without puncturing the wall or damaging organs.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a distal sheath and a proximal sheath. A splitting element is located at a proximal end of the distal sheath and is arranged to split the distal sheath in a distal direction, so as to deploy first a branch element of a medical device and thereafter the distal end of the medical device. The proximal sheath can then be retracted to release the proximal end of the medical device. Deployment of the medical device from the branch element first enables accurate positioning of the branch element prior to deployment of the main body portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a delivery device the sequential release of trigger wires from a prosthesis to release the prosthesis from the delivery device. The handle assembly has two handles, one of which is a rotating handle. The rotating handle has a first and second trigger wire release mechanisms which operate to sequentially release a first and second trigger wire, respectively, and a locking mechanism. The other handle has a locking mechanism that prevents that operation of the second trigger wire release mechanism until the first trigger wire has been released.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a plurality of segments which can interlock rotatably relative to one another. A locking element extends through a lumen of the segments. When the locking element is in an unlocked condition the segments are able to rotate relative to one another. In this mode, the guide wire is very flexible. The locking element can be tightened to cause the segments to lock in engagement with one another and to fix the guide wire in position. In practice, the guide wire can be fixed in a curved or bent configuration, which enables the guide wire to provide a rigid support for a microcatheter or other element of an introducer assembly. The guide wire therefore can exhibit both extreme flexibility and stiffness.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a delivery device the sequential release of trigger wires from a prosthesis to release the prosthesis from the delivery device. The handle assembly has two handles, one of which is a rotating handle. The rotating handle has a first and second trigger wire release mechanisms which operate to sequentially release a first and second trigger wire, respectively, and a locking mechanism. The other handle has a locking mechanism that prevents that operation of the second trigger wire release mechanism until the first trigger wire has been released.

Abstract: An occlusion device (30) includes at least one self-expanding frame (42, 44) and graft material (46). Occlusion occurs by constricting the graft material (46) at a substantially central point or at an end of the device. The constriction is sized such that a guide wire (34) is able to pass therethrough. A valve mechanism (50) includes a screen (52) made from a resilient material and which includes a closable opening (54). The valve mechanism (50) allows a guide wire to pass through the occlusion device (30) while an effective physical barrier is maintained after removal of the guide wire (34).

Abstract: A removable vena cava filter configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts, each having an anchoring hook and a stop member proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A removable vena cava filter configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts, each having an anchoring hook and a stop member proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.

Abstract: An occlusion device (10) includes a cannula (24), a dilator tip (20) fixed to the cannula and a frame member formed of an occlusion member (28) and a sleeve (30). The occlusion member (28) is covered with occlusion material (26). The cannula (24) is in the form of a tube having a lumen (25) passing therethrough. The dilator tip (20) also has a lumen therethrough and a valve (32). The arrangement is such that the occluder (10) can be delivered by an over the wire method using a guide wire, whereupon the cannula and dilator tip remain in the patient as part of the occluder assembly (10).

Abstract: A filter device for trapping embolic debris comprises a bag which is deployed by everting it from an end of a delivery catheter. After release from the catheter, with the assistance of a pusher member, the open end of the bag self-expands against the walls of a body lumen. In one method of removal after use, the device is withdrawn into catheter by pulling on a wire attached to the closed end of the bag.

Abstract: A removable vena cava filter (10) configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts (12a-d), each having an anchoring hook (26) and a stop member (24) proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.

Abstract: A wire guide for feeding a medical catheter through the body passage of a patient to a distant target site within the body has a variably flexible distal portion. The distal portion facilitates threading the guidewire in a tortuous path through acute bends at branch junctions in the body passages of the patient. The wire guide end is able to feed into very delicate vessels such as ventricles of the brain and the spinal canal without puncturing the wall or damaging organs.

Abstract: A removable vena cava filter configured for reduced trauma and enhanced visualization of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall is disclosed. The filter includes a plurality of struts, each having an anchoring hook and a stop member proximate the anchoring hook. The stop members are configured to engage the vessel wall to prevent excessive penetration of the anchoring hooks into the vessel wall and to aid in the identification of anchoring hook placement relative to the vessel wall.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis introducer may include a rotatable inner cannula including a proximal end. The introducer may include a proximal tip disposed at the proximal end of the inner cannula and including a distal end. The introducer may include a retaining member including an engaging member extending radially outward. The retaining member may be disposed about the proximal end of the inner cannula. In response to rotation of the inner cannula with respect to the retaining member, the proximal tip may be longitudinally movable relative to the engaging member between a retaining configuration and a releasing configuration. The proximal tip and the engaging member may be spaced from one another by a greater longitudinal distance in the releasing configuration than in the retaining configuration.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a delivery device the sequential release of trigger wires from a prosthesis to release the prosthesis from the delivery device. The handle assembly has two handles, one of which is a rotating handle. The rotating handle has a first and second trigger wire release mechanisms which operate to sequentially release a first and second trigger wire, respectively, and a locking mechanism. The other handle has a locking mechanism that prevents that operation of the second trigger wire release mechanism until the first trigger wire has been released.

Abstract: An introducer assembly is provided with a sheath and a positioning device. The positioning device is able to be configured between released and locking conditions, wherein in the released condition the device can be slid along the outer sheath of the introducer. In the locked condition, the position device is locked to the sheath. The position device is used to fix the length of sheath which can be inserted into a patient and thereby to set the position of the distal end the sheath and thereby the position at which a medical device would be deployed in the patient. The positioning device includes a coil spring with a plurality of coil turns able to apply an even compressive force to the sheath in all radial directions in order to minimize the chance of collapse of the sheath as a result of compressive force.