Abstract: A medical device and method for traversing an occlusion in a vessel includes a straightening sleeve positioned at a distal aspect of a catheter, a steering sleeve having an arcuate distal end, and a guidewire disposed through the steering sleeve. The steering sleeve has a first position in which the arcuate distal end is straightened within the straightening sleeve, and a second position in which the steering sleeve extends distally past the straightening sleeve to expose the arcuate distal end. The tip of the arcuate distal end of the steering sleeve or the guidewire can be used to pierce the occlusion. An arrangement of hub assemblies with locking mechanisms and motion limiting structures facilitates adjusting and locking the relative positions of the straightening sleeve, the steering sleeve, and the guidewire. Detent mechanisms are associated with the motion limiting structures for providing controlled incremental movement of the sleeves and the guidewire.

Abstract: A medical device for traversing an occlusion in a vessel includes a straightening sleeve positioned at a distal aspect of a catheter, a steering sleeve having an arcuate distal end, and a guidewire disposed through the steering sleeve. The steering sleeve has a first position in which the arcuate distal end is straightened within the straightening sleeve, and a second position in which the steering sleeve extends distally past the straightening sleeve to expose the arcuate distal end. The tip of the arcuate distal end of the steering sleeve or the guidewire can be used to pierce the occlusion. An arrangement of hub assemblies with locking mechanisms and motion limiting structures facilitates adjusting and locking the relative positions of the straightening sleeve, the steering sleeve, and the guidewire. Detent mechanisms are associated with the motion limiting structures for providing controlled incremental movement of the sleeves and the guidewire.

Abstract: An endovascular support device adapted for local delivery of a therapeutic agent and for minimizing the rate of restinosis having a cylindrical support body with an inside surface and an opposite outside surface, and at least one layer of pericardial tissue covering at least a portion of at least a selected one of the inside surface or the outside surface of the cylindrical support body. At least one therapeutic agent is disposed on a portion of the support device.

Abstract: A device for the local delivery of a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body. The device provides a means for locally delivering a substance into the boundary layer of fluid flowing through the conduit without substantially disrupting the fluid flow therethrough. For example, an indwelling endovascular support device is provided for delivery of a substance locally to a targeted treatment area. Also provided are methods of locally delivering a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body utilizing the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for the local delivery of a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body. The device has a substance delivery segment which provides a means for locally delivering a substance into the boundary layer of fluid flowing through the conduit without disrupting the fluid flow therethrough. For example, an indwelling catheter is provided for endovascular delivery of a substance locally to a targeted treatment area. Also provided are methods of locally delivering a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body utilizing the device of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for the local delivery of a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body. The device has a substance delivery segment which provides a means for locally delivering a substance into the boundary layer of fluid flowing through the conduit without disrupting the fluid flow therethrough. For example, an indwelling catheter is provided for endovascular delivery of a substance locally to a targeted treatment area. Also provided are methods of locally delivering a substance into a natural tissue conduit in the mammalian body utilizing the device of the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a sheath for encompassing at least a portion of a stent to locally deliver a drug to an arterial wall or lumen into which the stent has been inserted, comprising a polymer and a drug incorporated within the polymer, the polymer sheath encompassing at least a portion of the stent and a thickness to allow controlled release of the drug. Also provided is a method of preventing thrombosis and promoting and inhibiting vascular growth in a subject comprising inserting a stent encompassed by the sheath of the invention into a vessel of the subject.