Abstract: A system and method for closing a percutaneous vessel puncture at the conclusion of a vascular catheterization procedure includes placement of an intravascular closure device having a radially and axially expandable tubular membrane and a radially expandable anchor at the distal end of the membrane. The closure device is placed, by a delivery catheter extending through the puncture site, with its anchor radially expanded in a location upstream of the puncture site to enable the force of a patient's blood flow to deploy the tubular membrane to a proximally extended configuration closing the puncture from within the vessel.

Abstract: A system and method for closing a percutaneous vessel puncture at the conclusion of a vascular catheterization procedure includes placement of an intravascular closure device having a radially and axially expandable tubular membrane and a radially expandable anchor at the distal sad of the membrane. The closure device is placed, by a delivery catheter extending through the puncture site, with its anchor radially expanded in a location upstream of the puncture site to enable the force of a patient's blood flow to deploy the tubular membrane to a proximally extended configuration closing the puncture from within the vessel.

Abstract: A guide sheath for use in guiding a vascular puncture closure device to and in registry with a vascular puncture includes a stabilization system having retention wires deployable from the sheath and engageable with the vessel wall. The retention wires pierce the vessel wall at spaced locations, proximally and distally, about the puncture and form anchors to retain the sheath in registry with the puncture.

Abstract: Devices and methods for closing an arteriotomy include a percutaneously placeable central tube deployable about the arteriotomy by which an array of radially expandable fingers having suction ports can be engaged with the surface of tissue about the arteriotomy enabling the fingers to grip the tissue without piercing it. A delivery tube can advance a closure element along the outside surface of the central tube, thereby radially contracting the fingers and puckering the gripped tissue to approximate the edges of the arteriotomy. The closure element is further advanced until it is forced off of the distal tips of the fingers such that the closure element surrounds the puckered tissue and secures permanent closure of the arteriotomy.

Abstract: Devices and methods for closing an arteriotomy by gripping surfaces of tissue disposed about the arteriotomy, without piercing the tissue, and drawing the gripped tissue together to approximate the edges of the arteriotomy, and, while holding the tissue, applying a more permanent closure to the tissue.

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 guiding catheter includes an elongate shaft with a central bore and a mechanically expandable braided anchor mounted about the distal end of the shaft. The guiding catheter has a pre-formed curve adjacent the distal end of the shaft. A sheath disposed about the catheter is selectively slidable along the catheter shaft to expand the anchor into engagement with the wall of an artery. Methods of using the guiding catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition, including an inflation adaptor having a housing, a clamping device positioned within the housing, and a medial v-groove alignment block. The clamping device includes a jaw and an anvil. An extended portion of a valve stem and a hollow guidewire are received in the medial v-groove alignment block. The extended valve stem and hollow guidewire are engaged by the clamping device to allow the extended valve stem and the hollow guidewire to be axially translated relative to each other to control a flow of an inflation fluid through the hollow guidewire when the clamping device is in a clamped position. A method of operation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical vascular catheters adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel from an incision through the skin of a patient for introducing other devices or fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and particularly to an improved distal soft tip or segment attachment with a relatively stiff proximal catheter shaft. A tubular sleeve is bonded through the application of pressure and heat to a distal portion of the catheter shaft and a proximal portion of the distal segment of soft distal tip bridging the attachment junction. In the preferred method, the catheter shaft distal end is aligned with the distal segment or soft tip proximal end and the sleeve is fitted over the attachment junction. A heat shrink tube is fitted over the sleeve and adjoining portions of the catheter shaft and the distal segment or distal soft tip and heat is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical vascular catheters adapted to be inserted into a blood vessel from an incision through the skin of a patient for introducing ther devices or fluids for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and particularly to an improved distal soft tip or segment attachment with a relatively stiff proximal catheter shaft. A tubular sleeve is bonded through the application of pressure and heat to a distal portion of the catheter shaft and a proximal portion of the distal segment of soft distal tip bridging the attachment junction. In the preferred method, the catheter shaft distal end is aligned with the distal segment or soft tip proximal end and the sleeve is fitted over the attachment junction. A heat shrink tube is fitted over the sleeve and adjoining portions of the catheter shaft and the distal segment or distal soft tip and heat is applied.