Abstract: The invention describes a sinus balloon catheter and methods of use. Specifically a sinus balloon catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen is provided with a tip that can be extended. The catheter comprises a guide tube with a proximal and distal end, a sleeve member, a balloon disposed upon the sleeve member and a rounded tip arranged at the distal end and extendable along with the extension of the sleeve member.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for delivering a drug to the frontal sinus system. An inflatable implant is positioned within the frontal sinus system using an anchoring means secured within the frontal sinus cavity. A drug-containing fluid is released directly into the frontal sinus drainage system.

Abstract: The invention describes a sinus balloon catheter and methods of use. Specifically a sinus balloon catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen is provided with a tip that can be extended. The catheter comprises a guide tube with a proximal and distal end, a sleeve member, a balloon disposed upon the sleeve member and a rounded tip arranged at the distal end and extendable along with the extension of the sleeve member.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for delivering a drug to the frontal sinus system. An inflatable implant is positioned within the frontal sinus system using an anchoring means secured within the frontal sinus cavity. A drug-containing fluid is released directly into the frontal sinus drainage system.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial obstruction of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter and a distally mounted expandable member. The expandable member may comprise one or two balloons. Other medical devices, such as an angioplasty, stent, or atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the expandable member to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.

Abstract: A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic obstruction for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially obstruct aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Partial obstruction of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter and a distally mounted expandable member. The expandable member may comprise one or two balloons. Other medical devices, such as an angioplasty, stent, or atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the expandable member to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for delivering a drug to the frontal sinus system. An inflatable implant is positioned within the frontal sinus system using an anchoring means secured within the frontal sinus cavity. A drug-containing fluid is released directly into the frontal sinus drainage system.

Abstract: A system for accessing a sinus cavity of a subject includes an access tool configured to penetrate into the sinus cavity from a location external the subject. The system further includes an access sheath having a distal tubular portion, a lumen extending through the access sheath and the distal tubular portion and dimensioned to receive the access tool, the distal tubular portion comprising one or more cutting surfaces disposed about an external surface thereof. The one or more cutting surfaces may include a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves for flutes disposed about the periphery of the distal tubular member.

Abstract: A system for accessing a sinus cavity of a subject includes an access tool configured to penetrate into the sinus cavity from a location external the subject. The system further includes an access sheath having a distal tubular portion, a lumen extending through the access sheath and the distal tubular portion and dimensioned to receive the access tool, the distal tubular portion comprising one or more cutting surfaces disposed about an external surface thereof. The one or more cutting surfaces may include a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves for flutes disposed about the periphery of the distal tubular member.

Abstract: A high performance guide wire with a pressure sensor for measuring blood pressure, may utilize a single electrical lead connected to the guide wire. An integrated circuit, powered by the single electrical connection on the guide wire, may interface with the pressure sensor, and may convert pressure information to an encoded signal. The encoded signal may be detectable in the electrical circuit, and can be used to display a pressure waveform as detected by the pressure sensor. For example, when utilized for percutaneous coronary interventions, such a guide wire can provide high quality blood pressure measurements (e.g., for fractional flow reserve), while also possessing excellent steerability and handling characteristics for navigating tortuous anatomy.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.

Abstract: The invention describes a sinus balloon catheter and methods of use. Specifically a sinus balloon catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen is provided with a tip that can be extended. The catheter comprises a guide tube with a proximal and distal end, a sleeve member, a balloon disposed upon the sleeve member and a rounded tip arranged at the distal end and extendable along with the extension of the sleeve member.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments disclosed herein include a catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen. The catheter includes a guide tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, that terminates in a distal tip; a sleeve member annularly positioned over the guide tube, wherein the sleeve member is movable relative to the guide tube and is capable of being advanced over the guide tube; and a balloon coupled to the sleeve member, wherein the balloon can be extendable and inflated at or beyond the end of the guide tube.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for delivering a drug to the frontal sinus system. An inflatable implant is positioned within the frontal sinus system using an anchoring means secured within the frontal sinus cavity. A drug-containing fluid is released directly into the frontal sinus drainage system.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a guide catheter within a patient's nasal passages or sinus cavities includes a guide catheter formed from an elongate flexible member having a lumen passing there through. A wire guide is slidably disposed within the lumen of the guide catheter. The system further includes a steering member fixedly secured to a proximal end of the wire guide and a proximal hub secured to a proximal end of the guide catheter. The system further includes a recessed handle having a first recess for fixedly receiving the proximal hub of the guide catheter and a second recess for receiving the steering member, the second recess being dimensioned to permit axial and rotational movement of the steering member while disposed in the second recess.