Abstract: A protective sleeve for a catheter assembly comprising a tubular member composed of a first material. The first material having a first predetermined modulus of elasticity. The tubular member having at least one stripe of a second material engaged thereto. The second material having a greater modulus of elasticity than the first material. The tubular member having a loading state and being crimpable to a reduced state. In the loading state the tubular member being sized to disposingly engage the balloon of a catheter assembly wherein the balloon has a first diameter. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the tubular member is disposingly and retainingly engaged to the balloon. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the balloon has a second diameter which is less than the first diameter.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for use in a body vessel lumen having a wall, which may include a first elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a second elongate member attached proximate a first end to the first elongate member and having a second end, and a plurality of connectors attached to the second elongate member at spaced-apart intervals of the second elongate member and slidably disposed on the first elongate member, the second elongate member movable between a first elongate configuration where the connectors are at a first average distance apart from each other and a second filtering configuration where the connectors are at a second average distance apart less than the first.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for percutaneous valve replacement and/or augmentation are provided. The apparatus includes a valve having a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame, and a leaflet transition member coupled to the valve leaflet. The valve leaflet and leaflet transition member can transition from a first position where the valve leaflet and leaflet frame are at least partially outside a lumen of the valve frame to a second position where the valve leaflet and the leaflet transition member are within the lumen of the valve frame.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and body implantable electrode suitable for a variety of medical applications are disclosed. In general, the electrode includes a composite material having particles of pseudo-capacitive material, such as iridium oxide, dispersed within a polymer matrix including a polyelectrolyte. The polymer matrix can also include a conductive polymer doped with an excess of the polyelectrolyte. The composite may used to form the electrode itself or an electrode coating. The presence of a pseudo-capacitive material within the composite may increase the charge-storage capacity of the electrode and may allow for safe deliveries of charge densities within an electrochemical window suitable for pacing a patient's heart.

Abstract: A wire station is disclosed for securing and managing multiple wire members used in a catheter system. The wire management system includes means for securing the proximal portion of two wire members in a spatially separate arrangement. The wire station of the present invention additionally provides a physician with the flexibility of either directly attaching the wire station of the present invention to the catheter system directly, or positioning the wire station at a remote location.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and body implantable electrode suitable for a variety of medical applications are disclosed. In general, the electrode includes a composite material having particles of pseudo-capacitive material, such as iridium oxide, dispersed within a polymer matrix including a polyelectrolyte. The polymer matrix can also include a conductive polymer doped with an excess of the polyelectrolyte. The composite may used to form the electrode itself or an electrode coating. The presence of a pseudo-capacitive material within the composite may increase the charge-storage capacity of the electrode and may allow for safe deliveries of charge densities within an electrochemical window suitable for pacing a patient's heart.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed providing a balloon catheter having a distal tip that is flexible while additionally incorporating high column strength. The present invention additionally provides a distal tip region that accommodates for various sized guidewires. In preferred embodiments, the distal tip region is initially configured for accommodating the passage of 0.12-inch guidewires only. Through specific manufacturing processes, however, the distal tip is modified so that it also may be expanded to accommodate the passage of 0.14-inch guidewires. In additional preferred embodiments, an elastomeric sleeve is disposed over the modified distal tip to allow the tip to return to the initial 0.12-inch accommodating profile when the larger 0.14-inch guidewire is withdrawn from the catheter.

Abstract: Single-wire intravascular filters for use in filtering blood clots within the body are disclosed. An intravascular filter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include a single filter wire defining a first end section, a second end section, and one or more filter loops adapted to collect blood clots contained within a blood vessel. Each of the filter loops can be configured to slope outwardly at an angle away from a central longitudinal axis of the filter to form a conical-shaped structure having an apex section and a base section.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed providing a balloon catheter having a distal tip that is flexible while additionally incorporating high column strength. The present invention additionally provides a distal tip region that accommodates for various sized guidewires. In preferred embodiments, the distal tip region is initially configured for accommodating the passage of 0.12-inch guidewires only. Through specific manufacturing processes, however, the distal tip is modified so that it also may be expanded to accommodate the passage of 0.14-inch guidewires. In additional preferred embodiments, an elastomeric sleeve is disposed over the modified distal tip to allow the tip to return to the initial 0.12-inch accommodating profile when the larger 0.14-inch guidewire is withdrawn from the catheter.

Abstract: An elongate medical device and methods for making and using the same. The elongate medical device may be a catheter that includes an elongate tubular shaft having a lumen defined therein. A scraping member is coupled to an inner wall surface of the shaft and extends into the lumen. The scraping member is configured to remove debris that may build up or otherwise be disposed on another medical device such a guidewire.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for capturing emboli and subsequently removing or immobilizing the captured emboli are described. Emboli can be captured within a blood vessel and can be withdrawn to a position exterior to the blood vessel. Some filters can remain within a blood vessel yet direct emboli to a position exterior to the blood vessel.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided having an expandable distal portion and balloon protector means comprising a first removable sleeve having a variable inner diameter to ease sliding the first sleeve over the balloon, and an optional second removable (outer) sleeve positioned over the inner sleeve, the second (outer) sleeve having a constrictive relationship with the first (inner) sleeve, said first and second sleeves being removed prior to use of the catheter.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for capturing emboli and subsequently removing or immobilizing the captured emboli are described. Emboli can be captured within a blood vessel and can be withdrawn to a position exterior to the blood vessel. Some filters can remain within a blood vessel yet direct emboli to a position exterior to the blood vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device for closing an opening in body tissue. The device may include a first end section and a second end section both including one or more anchoring members. Both end sections may be configured to transform in shape from a constrained configuration to an unconstrained configuration. The device may also include a midsection coupled between the end sections. The midsection may have at least one configuration that substantially prevents the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A stent crimping and coating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of crimping blades positioned in a radial array and collectively forming a central crimping lumen, wherein the plurality of crimping blades radially movable to alter the diameter of the central crimping lumen. Each of the crimping blades includes a first surface configured to at least in part define the central crimping lumen. One or more of the crimping blades includes a fluid channel extending therein and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the fluid channel. The plurality of openings are located at the first surface of the one or more crimping blades and adapted to discharge a fluid into the central crimping lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a system and/or device for deploying a stent at a bifurcation. In one embodiment, the system and/or device for deploying a stent at a bifurcation may include a dual balloon catheter may include an elongate catheter body. Some dual balloon catheters may have a first proximal balloon and a second balloon bonded to at least a portion of the elongate catheter body. In some cases, a guide wire port may be positioned between the first and second balloons.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are provided to treat diseased cardiac valves. The device includes a percutaneous heart valve having an expandable valve frame including valve frame members, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame, and an expandable stent anchoring frame coupled to the valve frame including stent frame members defining a first portion and a second portion having greater flexibility than the first portion, where the first portion and the valve frame define a length, and where the stent frame members and the valve frame members along the length provide a contiguous surface over which a delivery device can repeatedly slide over the length in its entirety in two longitudinal directions when the first portion and the valve frame are in a partially expanded state during delivery from the delivery device.

Abstract: A medical device such as a catheter may have an elongate shaft that includes a hypotube having a helical cutting formed therein. The elongate shaft may define a lumen that extends within the elongate shaft. An electroactive polymer may be disposed over at least a portion of the hypotube. A medical device may include a spiral cut hypotube having a constant pitch and may be configured to reversibly and temporarily alter the pitch of at least a portion of the spiral cut hypotube. In some cases, the medical device may be configured to reversibly and/or temporarily alter a compressive strength of at least a portion of the spiral cut hypotube.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a catheter having a torque transmitting shaft which retains adequate flexibility. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having an outer surface. In a preferred embodiment, a raised pattern is disposed on the outer surface. Preferably, the raised pattern improves the transmission of torque along the elongate shaft by including a series of bearing points which contact other bearing points along the shaft when torqued.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead and body implantable electrode suitable for a variety of medical applications are disclosed. In general, the electrode includes a composite material having particles of pseudo-capacitive material, such as iridium oxide, dispersed within a polymer matrix including a polyelectrolyte. The polymer matrix can also include a conductive polymer doped with an excess of the polyelectrolyte. The composite may used to form the electrode itself or an electrode coating. The presence of a pseudo-capacitive material within the composite may increase the charge-storage capacity of the electrode and may allow for safe deliveries of charge densities within an electrochemical window suitable for pacing a patient's heart.