Abstract: Medical devices and methods are provided. In some aspects, devices useful for applying therapy locally within a body vessel are disclosed, the devices having a stent graft with flared end regions with a catheter providing fluid communication to the outer side of the narrower, intermediate region of the stent graft. Kits and systems including the same devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Cutting devices useful for cutting objects or materials are described. Examples of cutting devices useful for creating avulsions in animals, such as human beings, are described. A cutting device includes an elongate main body having proximal and distal ends. A first portion of the main body has a cross-sectional shape that substantially lacks flat surfaces and a second portion of the main body has a cross-sectional shape having one, two or more flat surfaces. The distal end defines a hook having one or more sharpened edges disposed within the notch of the hook. Methods of making cutting devices are also described.

Abstract: Among other things, methods and apparatus for inserting devices for closing tissue openings are disclosed. Examples may include a handle, sheath and/or sleeve for insertion into a patient and through or adjacent a tissue defect, fistula, or other tissue opening to be closed. Winding mechanisms for operation in or with such inserting devices are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sealing an opening in a wall within the body of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system has an elongated body coupled to a vascular closure device and a resisting member, the elongated body having a high resistance portion and a low resistance portion and being constructed and arranged to interface with a resisting member to apply a conforming force to a vascular closure device. In some exemplary embodiments, the elongated body comprises a large diameter portion positioned in a proximal end region of the elongated body. Methods and other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and system that includes an elongated body, a vascular closure device that can occlude a hole in a vessel wall coupled to a distal end of the elongated body, a sleeve assembly and a biasing member arranged to elastically deform coupled between the elongated body and the sleeve assembly, wherein the vascular closure device is pliant and is deformable to fit with the sleeve assembly but is too large to fit within the sleeve assembly without deforming it and where application of tension to the elongated body by retracting the sleeve assembly away from the deployed vascular closure device elastically deforms the biasing member and exerts a force on the vascular closure device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and system that includes an elongated body, a vascular closure device that can occlude a hole in a vessel wall coupled to a distal end of the elongated body, a sleeve assembly and a biasing member arranged to elastically deform coupled between the elongated body and the sleeve assembly, where the elongated body is longitudinally displaceable with respect to the sleeve assembly, wherein the biasing member exerts a force on the elongated body approximately proportional to a longitudinal displacement between the elongated body and the sleeve assembly and where the biasing member is arranged deform a discernible amount when a conforming force sufficient to occlude the hole is applied to the elongated body through the biasing member and the sleeve assembly.

Abstract: Loading systems for compressing and loading an implantable medical device into a device chamber of a medical device delivery system are described. The loading systems include an elongate holding chamber within which the intraluminal medical device is disposed. A plunger has one or more attached pushers adapted to axially advance the intraluminal medical device through an intermediate portion of the holding chamber that has a tapered surface, which compresses the intraluminal medical device over a dilator of a medical device delivery system that has been introduced through the distal end of the elongate holding chamber. The elongate holding chamber can be placed within an outer storage container with an appropriate seal to for storage of the intraluminal medical device within the loading system. Methods of preparing an intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making a prosthesis or a stent with a smooth covering.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed apparatuses and methods for medically sealing an opening in a vessel or wall. For example, in medical applications, a delivery tube is provided for insertion through a sheath into a vessel (e.g. a blood vessel). A dome-shaped seal fixed to a filament, an absorbent and/or compressible buffer, and a locking member are provided in the delivery tube. The delivery tube is configured so that it can be inserted into the vessel through a sheath. Tension is maintained on the filament to hold the seal against the tube or sheath. The sheath is pulled out, which pulls out the tube at the same time, leaving the seal over the opening in the vessel wall. The locking member compresses the buffer against the outside of the vessel and with the filament holds the seal in place against the inside of a vessel.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Further described are certain reduced or low profile procedures and devices for the percutaneous occlusion of the saphenous vein, such as in the treatment of a varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux.

Abstract: A device and system for closure of an opening formed in a body vessel includes a bioabsorbable grasping member and locking member. The grasping member includes grasping lingers that are radially collapsible to the closed positions by movement of the locking member over the fingers. A distal portion of the fingers is configured to grasp an outer wall portion of the body vessel surrounding the opening when the fingers are in the open position. Movement of the locking member can cause the fingers to at least substantially close the vessel opening. Structural features on the fingers and/or locking member can inhibit proximal or distal movement of the locking member when in a locking position. A detachable arm can be coupled to the grasping member to facilitate placement of the grasping member. A sheath can fit over the detachable arm and be configured to move the locking member over the fingers.

Abstract: A hemostatic valve assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a housing having a sidewall that tapers radially inwardly towards the housing distal end. A valve member having an open proximal end and a tapered distal end with an orifice formed therein is disposed within the housing chamber. The valve member is deformable between a closed configuration in which the orifice is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the orifice is open. A biasing member disposed proximal to the valve member is moveable between a longitudinally compressed condition and a longitudinally expanded condition. When in an expanded condition, the biasing member pushes the valve member longitudinally and against the tapered sidewall of the housing. The tapered sidewall of the housing urges the distal end of the valve member radially inwardly, thus urging the orifice to the substantially closed configuration.

Abstract: A catheter is provided with a collection chamber located between a seal and a cap. The seal is located distal from the collection chamber, and the cap is located proximal from the collection chamber. The seal may be opened and closed to alternately allow the passage of material into the collection chamber and prevent fluid from escaping from the shaft lumen. The cap may be opened and closed to allow the removal of a mass from the collection chamber and to prevent fluid from escaping during collection of the mass.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided for cutting the end of a catheter to provide custom length catheters. The cutting tool has a cutting member that moves within the cutting passageway in the housing. The catheter is positioned within a catheter passageway in the housing. The cutting passageway transacts the catheter passageway so that a blade on the cutting member crosses the catheter passageway and cuts through the width of the catheter to form a cut end on the catheter.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Further described are certain reduced or low profile procedures and devices for the percutaneous occlusion of the saphenous vein, such as in the treatment of a varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Devices and procedures can involve an endoluminal delivery device having an atraumatic distal end, that is advancable through a vascular vessel, and an occlusion device received on the endoluminal delivery device. The endoluminal delivery device can have one or more adaptations for releasably receiving the occlusion device. The occlusion device can include a sponge form material. The occlusion device can include a remodelable material or a synthetic material. The occlusion device can include an anchor.

Abstract: Medical devices, as well as methods of treatment and manufacturing such devices, are provided for applying vascular therapy locally within the body vessel. The medical devices include an expandable tubular frame and a sleeve or graft material. The medical devices can be used for local delivery of a therapeutic agent within a body vessel or a tamponade for a lacerated body vessel, while simultaneously allowing perfusion of fluid or blood flow distal of the implanted medical device. The tubular frame of the medical device may have a proximal non-expanding portion and a distal self-expanding support structure. The self-expanding support structure can expand radially outward to urge the graft material to contact the wall of the body vessel. In the expanded configuration, a portion of the device allows fluid flow to continue while the sleeve is against the body vessel wall.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed apparatuses and methods for medically sealing an opening in a vessel or wall. For example, in medical applications, a delivery tube is provided for insertion through a sheath into a vessel (e.g. a blood vessel). A dome-shaped seal fixed to a filament, an absorbent and/or compressible buffer, and a locking member are provided in the delivery tube. The delivery tube is configured so that it can be inserted into the vessel through a sheath. Tension is maintained on the filament to hold the seal against the tube or sheath. The sheath is pulled out, which pulls out the tube at the same time, leaving the seal over the opening in the vessel wall. The locking member compresses the buffer against the outside of the vessel and with the filament holds the seal in place against the inside of a vessel.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal medical device includes first, second and third wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members. The medical device can be used by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal filter includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members to form an opening between the wire members. Each connecting member of a plurality of connecting members is connected to the first and second wire members and extends across the opening. The plurality of connecting members provides a plurality of open cells that permit passage of fluid flow through the opening when the filter is deployed within a body vessel.

Abstract: A device for closure of an opening formed in a body vessel includes a grasping member and a sheath movable thereover. The grasping member comprises a tubular body having a plurality of grasping fingers extending from a distal end of the tubular body. The fingers radially extend from the tubular body at a first angle, and are collapsible therefrom to a second angle. The fingers have a distal tip configured for grasping an outer wall of the body vessel surrounding the vessel opening when the fingers are at the first angle. The sheath is slidable over the tubular body and at least a portion of the grasping fingers for collapsing the fingers from the first angle to the second angle, thereby causing the collapsed fingers to at least substantially close the opening.