Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for deploying a medical device in a subject's tubular structure by advancing a catheter through a subject's tubular structure to a target location, the catheter having a tip coupled to a shaft of a T-shaped junction and the T-shaped junction having a crossbar coupled to an inflatable member; and inflating the inflatable member from an uninflated first state to an inflated second state with an inflation medium, where the inflatable member is shaped as a toroid in the inflated second state. In one embodiment the inflated member has attached to it a conical shaped membrane with a drawstring disposed through the shaft, crossbar, and inflatable member for ensnaring debris in the membrane. The orientation of the inflatable member may be perpendicular to the axis of the catheter and is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered in the tubular structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rigid connector which joins an inflation lumen to an inflatable element in a medical device. The connector comprises a shaft fluidly connected to a crossbar. Preferably one embodiment provides a stable junction through which an inflation fluid may pass and inflate an inflatable element which is not co-linear with the axis of inflation. The junction maintains a generally rigid, fixed angle in relation to the axis of the inflation lumen, which in many embodiments is perpendicular to said axis. This fixed orientation creates a robust structure which is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered during its use within tubular and non-tubular structures within the human body. Such a structure maintains a rigid orientation between the inflatable element and the catheter body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for deploying a medical device in a subject's tubular structure by advancing a catheter through a subject's tubular structure to a target location, the catheter having a tip coupled to a shaft of a T-shaped junction and the T-shaped junction having a crossbar coupled to an inflatable member; and inflating the inflatable member from an uninflated first state to an inflated second state with an inflation medium, where the inflatable member is shaped as a toroid in the inflated second state. In one embodiment the inflated member has attached to it a conical shaped membrane with a drawstring disposed through the shaft, crossbar, and inflatable member for ensnaring debris in the membrane. The orientation of the inflatable member may be perpendicular to the axis of the catheter and is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered in the tubular structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a rigid connector which joins an inflation lumen to an inflatable element in a medical device. The connector comprises a shaft fluidly connected to a crossbar. Preferably one embodiment provides a stable junction through which an inflation fluid may pass and inflate an inflatable element which is not co-linear with the axis of inflation. The junction maintains a generally rigid, fixed angle in relation to the axis of the inflation lumen, which in many embodiments is perpendicular to said axis. This fixed orientation creates a robust structure which is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered during its use within tubular and non-tubular structures within the human body. Such a structure maintains a rigid orientation between the inflatable element and the catheter body.

Abstract: An inflatable intraluminal stent for attachment to the interior surface of a tubular structure within the human body is disclosed. The stent features a cuff having an inflatable chamber and a friction-enhancing outer surface. The friction-enhancing outer surface engages the interior surface of the tubular structure without penetration when the inflatable cuff is in an inflated condition. An intraluminal medical device may be attached to the inner surface of the stent. A valve is integral with the inflatable cuff and allows for the inflation, deflation and sealing of the inflatable cuff.

Abstract: An over the wire scalpel for performing a dermatotomy that produces a skin nick features a triangular shaped blade with a pair of cutting edges that meet to define a tip. The blade is connected to a handle and a central lumen passes through both. The leading opening of the lumen is positioned at the blade tip so that it is symmetrically abutted by the cutting edges. A blocker that limits the depth of blade travel is positioned upon the handle adjacent to the blade. A stylus may be placed within the central lumen so that the scalpel may be used without a guidewire or with a guidewire that has a diameter significantly smaller than that of the central lumen.