Abstract: A guiding catheter includes an elongate shaft with a main lumen and a pre-shaped curve adjacent the distal end of the shaft. The pre-shaped curve is sized and shaped for positioning in a main vessel to provide intubation of a branch vessel with a distal end of the catheter. An eccentric balloon is disposed on the shaft for selective inflation against a wall of the main vessel opposite the entrance into the branch vessel to provide supplemental backup support during interventional catheterization of the branch vessel. Methods of using the guiding catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual-layer dilatation balloon includes an inner layer that includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyester, polyether, polyamide and copolymers thereof, and an outer layer that includes a polyamide. The dual-layer balloon optionally further includes a stent disposed on the balloon. The stent is optionally a drug-eluting stent. A process for forming a dual-layer dilatation balloon includes forming a dual-layer extrudate having an outer layer that includes a polyamide and an inner layer that includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyester, polyether, polyamide and copolymers thereof. The process also includes forming the dual-layer balloon from the dual-layer extrudate in a balloon forming machine, wherein the balloon has a hoop strength of about 10,000 to about 60,000 p.s.i.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation comprises tensioning device that can be deployed using a delivery catheter. The device includes tension member linking a proximal anchor and distal anchor. The device is constructed from a material having suitable elastic properties such that the device applies a constant tension force between the anchors, while stretching or flexing in response to a heartbeat when positioned across a chamber of a heart. The anchors may include a plurality of arms. In some embodiments, the arms may also flex in response to a heart beat. When positioned across the left ventricle of a heart, the device can reduce the lateral distance between the walls of the ventricle and thus allow better coaption of the mitral valve leaflets thereby reducing mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation comprises tensioning device that can be deployed using a delivery catheter. The device includes tension member linking a proximal anchor and distal anchor. The device is constructed from a material having suitable elastic properties such that the device applies a constant tension force between the anchors, while stretching or flexing in response to a heartbeat when positioned across a chamber of a heart. The anchors may include a plurality of arms. In some embodiments, the arms may also flex in response to a heart beat. When positioned across the left ventricle of a heart, the device can reduce the lateral distance between the walls of the ventricle and thus allow better coaption of the mitral valve leaflets thereby reducing mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is disclosed comprising about 65-95 wt % polyamide blended with a second polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyurethane, a rubber and an ionomer, wherein the balloon has hoop strength of about 20,000-40,000 p.s.i. Also disclosed, is a process for forming the dilatation balloon. The process includes contacting the polyamide polymer with a composition comprising a second polymer to form a polymer blend, extruding the polymer blend to form a polymer extrudate, and forming the balloon from the extrudate in a balloon forming machine.

Abstract: A guiding catheter assembly and a method for using the assembly for treating a stenotic lesion. The guiding catheter assembly includes a guiding catheter having an occluder balloon mounted distally thereon. A flexible leader is slidably disposed through a primary lumen of the guiding catheter and has a tapered distal portion extending distally of the guiding catheter. The guiding catheter may have a preformed curve at the distal end. An embodiment of the guiding catheter may also comprise at least one steering wire disposed within a steering lumen in the guiding catheter, the steering wire being operable to deflect the distal end of the guiding catheter.

Abstract: A low-profile catheter valve includes a catheter, an elastomeric plug having a channel, and a hollow stem. The catheter has at least one stop extending into a central lumen of the catheter adjacent to the catheter's proximal end. The elastomeric plug is received within the central lumen of the catheter and seated against the stop. The hollow stem is slidably received within the central lumen of the catheter. An axial force applied to the elastomeric plug via the stem compresses the plug and closes the channel. The stem is maintained in a position within the catheter by an interference fit between the stem and the catheter.