Abstract: A catheter for collecting fluid such as blood from a vessel such as a coronary sinus of a patient has an elongated, flexible tubular portion and an annular sealing member spaced from a distal end of the tubular member. A proximal end of the tubular member is adapted to be connected to a source of suction for applying suction to a collection lumen of the tubular member. The distal end is placed in a blood vessel with the sealing member spaced from opposing surface of the vessel in an absence of a suction applied to the collection lumen. Suction is applied to the collection lumen in an amount sufficient to draw blood from the vessel through the fluid inlet and into the collection lumen and further sufficient to urge the opposing surface of the vessel to migrate into sealing engagement with the sealing member.

Abstract: A balloon of a balloon catheter including, in its folded state, a central, inflatable body portion having an outer peripheral wall surface and a plurality of hollow lobes being wrapped around the outer peripheral wall surface and being in fluid communication with the inflatable body portion the lobes including free end portions defining gaps therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an innovative retention element for use with feeding tubes for placement in a gastric lumen, desirably under direct visualization using an endoscope. The retention balloon has a shape with a recessed or concave center that provides space to accommodate the distal end of inserted feeding tubes. The retention balloon may be conical, square and half spherical and holds the stomach against the inner abdominal wall.

Abstract: This invention is generally related to catheters for insertion into a body cavity, duct or vessel, and more particularly to a tip or plug for a catheter. The catheter tip is constructed and arranged to form a seal on the end portion of the catheter tube, while a sleeve secured or formed integrally to the tip cooperates with the catheter tube to form a first balloon that encapsulates the tip of the catheter and a second balloon that positions the catheter within the body cavity, duct or vessel.

Abstract: A method for removing an undesirable material is provided. The method includes maneuvering a first cannula within a vessel such that it is positioned for capturing the undesirable material. The method also includes positioning a second cannula within the vessel such that it is in a spaced relation to the first cannula. A suction force may be provided so as to capture the undesirable material through the first cannula. The undesirable material may be fragmenting as it is drawn along the first cannula, so as to enhance removal of the undesirable material through the first cannula. A system for removing an undesirable material is also provided.

Abstract: An inflatable retention system for an enteral feeding tube having a base deployed outside the human body and an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a lumen or cavity of the body by insertion through a stoma from outside the body. The retention system includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an external tube diameter, and tube walls defining a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen. The retention system also includes an inflatable balloon located at a distal end of the tube in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the balloon having thin, flexible walls, a predetermined spheroid shape, and a volume at which a fluid in the balloon is under no pressure such that upon inflation with a fluid to pressurize fluid in the balloon, the balloon assumes a stable spheroid shape and exhibits a substantially linear pressure versus volume curve.

Abstract: Adjustable balloon catheter including an inner tubular member that has an inflation lumen defined therein. An expandable member is coupled to the distal end portion of the inner tubular member and has an inner chamber in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The expandable member is transitionable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The expandable member defines has a non-cylindrical shape along at least a portion of a working length thereof when in the inflated configuration. An outer tubular member is movable relative to the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member includes a distal end. The outer tubular member is moveable between an extended position disposed over the expandable member and a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The outer tubular member is selectively positioned between the extended position and the retracted position to define an exposed length of the working length of the expandable member.

Abstract: A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter for use in a valvuloplasty procedure includes a catheter shaft and a spiral perfusion balloon mounted thereon. The perfusion balloon is formed from an inflatable tube that is in fluid communication with a catheter shaft inflation lumen. The inflatable tube is coiled into a series of windings that in an inflated configuration form a cylindrical or hourglass profile. In the inflated configuration, inner surfaces of the coiled windings of the inflatable tube define a perfusion lumen to allow blood flow through the perfusion balloon. Adjacent windings may be secured together with a flexible adhesive and/or a support weave formed from one or more filaments of material that criss-crosses between the adjacent windings along substantially the entire length of the spiral perfusion balloon.

Abstract: A catheter assembly may comprise a guide catheter, a balloon catheter with a steering balloon and a stabilizing balloon and a guide wire. The stabilizing balloon secures the balloon catheter to the guide catheter while the steering balloon secures the catheter assembly to the vessel wall. In another embodiment, the balloon catheter has three balloons engaged to the exterior surface, a steering balloon, a stabilizing balloon and an anchoring balloon.

Abstract: Thrombus removal apparatus includes a balloon catheter with a short balloon at a distal end thereof. An aspiration catheter is disposed coaxially over the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter includes a plurality of holes for the administration of lytic agent. The apparatus does not seal off completely the zone of the vessel around the thrombus, thereby allowing movement of blood within the vessel. The balloon is shaped so that it can be pulled along the vessel in an upstream direction so as to drag against the vessel walls for assisting in the removal of the thrombus.

Abstract: An inflatable toroidal-shaped balloon for medical use is provided with a central opening traversing the balloon in an inflated state. The balloon is useful to achieve larger outer diameters than conventional balloons.

Abstract: A shaped medical balloon is provided that has a conforming shape, yet is inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an appliance for cannulation of a blood vessel with a cannula which, after introduction into the vessel, is in fluidic communication with the vessel. At least one means is also provided to permit a controlled division of the blood into a first subsidiary stream which leaves the vessel through the cannula, and a second subsidiary stream which continues to flow through the vessel.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical balloon having enlarged radii, which may be disposed on a dilation catheter. The enlarged radii balloon may reduce the trauma experienced by a patient both during the procedure and when the catheter is removed from the patient. The enlarged radii may provide the deflated balloon with smoother transitions and less mechanical rigidity at the balloon transitions.

Abstract: A trocar cannula assembly can have a retention mechanism for advanced fixation. The retention mechanism can include a first, or distal balloon, and a second or proximal balloon to retain the position of the trocar cannula assembly with respect to a body wall of a patient. An inlet can be fluidly coupled to the retention mechanism via a fluid conduit so that the balloons can be selectively inflated and deflated. The retention mechanism can be coupled to the cannula, forming an integrated cannula assembly, or the retention mechanism can be removably attached to the cannula. Where the retention mechanism is removably attached to the cannula, it can include a double layer inflatable member with an outer layer including the first and second balloons, and an inner layer for retaining the cannula.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including: a flexible sheath which has at least one lumen; and a cylindrical balloon which is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the sheath and can be inflated with a fluid supplied from the lumen; wherein the sheath has a large diameter portion whose outer diameter is greater than a basic outer diameter thereof, and the balloon is set to have a maximum inner diameter greater than the basic outer diameter when deflated, and is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion.

Abstract: A balloon catheter system for the intraluminal advancement of conventional guidewires beyond partially or fully occluded or stenosed lesions in body passages, such as CTOs in the vasculature, is provided. Balloons are provided. In certain embodiments of the invention, a balloon having relatively thickened proximal tapers is provided. In certain embodiments of the invention, balloons having a tapered midsection are provided. The balloons are preferably useful with crossing balloon catheter systems. In certain embodiments of the invention, the balloons preferably reduce or minimize trauma to the vascular wall or wall of other body passage in which it is used.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes a balloon catheter and methods of using the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter is particularly useful for pericardiocentesis and percutaneous pericardiotomy.

Abstract: A catheter assembly adapted to treat a vessel bifurcation. A balloon member of the catheter assembly includes a main body portion and a cylindrical shaped bulge portion that extends radially outward from the main body portion. The bulge portion extends around a circumference of the main body portion. A stent of the catheter assembly is typically mounted to the balloon member. When treating the vessel bifurcation, the catheter assembly is positioned with the bulge portion aligned axially relative to an ostium of the branch vessel. The balloon member is inflated to expand a portion of the stent into the branch vessel. The circumferential construction of the bulge portion of the balloon member reduces the need for radial (rotational) alignment of the balloon member relative to the ostium of the branch vessel.

Abstract: There is provided a method of making a balloon having a differential thickness. The method uses a raw tube composed of a thermoplastic polymer which is placed in an asymmetrical mold. The tube is preheated in the mold to a temperature sufficient to soften the material of the tube and inflated with a gas to generally uniformly stretch the material of the tube while allowing the tube to retract lengthwise, thus forming a balloon. The resulting completed balloon has a differential wall thickness wherein the upper region has a thickness of from about 15 to about 30 micrometers and the lower region has a thickness of from about 5 to about 15 micrometers.

Abstract: An agent delivery catheter configured to deliver an agent to an inner surface of a patient's body lumen wall by forming an array of cells defining agent containment chambers at multiple locations along the catheter's shaft, while minimizing ischemic conditions during the procedure.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a stent dilatable by means of a balloon, including a multilumen polymeric catheter having at least two balloons at the input end, where the distal balloon can expand an eccentric stent mounted on it, and the proximal balloon of smaller diameter has, at least, two radiopaque labels (markers) and has a capability of accurate orientation of the stent in an artery lumen.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: The system for removing blood containing contrast dye includes an inner catheter having a fixed proximal end and a distal free end, and an outer catheter coaxially disposed around a portion of the inner catheter, defining an inner channel and an annular outer channel. The fixed end of the inner catheter is coincident with the proximal end of the outer catheter, and the distal end of the inner catheter extends outward from the outer catheter. An annular suction orifice is defined between the distal end of the outer catheter and the inner catheter. First and second balloons are mounted adjacent the distal ends of the outer and inner catheters. The distal free end of the inner catheter extends beyond the second balloon. In use, the first and second balloons are inflated in the coronary sinus and blood containing contrast dye is then removed from between the first and second balloons.

Abstract: A balloon catheter has an elongated flexible shaft made of a metal and at least one inflatable balloon mounted on a distal end area of the flexible shaft. A wall of the shaft providing the mechanical properties for flexibility and pushability is entirely made of metal, the wall has a sheet-like shape, and the wall has an outer diameter up to 0.5 mm and a wall thickness in a range from 0.02 mm to 0.1 mm.

Abstract: A method is described including introducing a delivery device to a point within a renal artery or a renal segmental artery and delivering a treatment agent from the delivery device according to conditions that create a turbulent blood flow and wherein the treatment agent is capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy. In other embodiments, an apparatus and kit are described including a delivery device for insertion to a point within a renal artery or renal segmental artery and delivery of a treatment agent capable of inhibiting a biological process contributing to nephropathy.

Abstract: A catheter used for treatment of complex vasculature, such as a bifurcated aneurysm, is provided with an inflatable balloon at a distal portion thereof. The shape, location and material of the inflatable balloon are selected such that when inflated, the balloon conforms to the shape of the complex vasculature, or at least a portion thereof, without appreciably deforming the vessel walls. In this manner, the balloon can be used to control flow in the vasculature, for example occluding a selected branch of the vasculature during introduction of material in order concentrate the material and minimize its disbursement by blood flow.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical devices and related methods. In some embodiments, the methods include applying a material to the balloon and then removing the material from one or more regions of the balloon.

Abstract: An inflatable retention system for an enteral feeding tube having a base deployed outside the human body and an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a lumen or cavity of the body by insertion through a stoma from outside the body. The retention system includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, an external tube diameter, and tube walls defining a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen. The retention system also includes an inflatable balloon located at a distal end of the tube in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, the balloon having thin, flexible walls, a predetermined spheroid shape, and a volume at which a fluid in the balloon is under no pressure such that upon inflation with a fluid to pressurize fluid in the balloon, the balloon assumes a stable spheroid shape and exhibits a substantially linear pressure versus volume curve.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a tubular assembly consisting of an inner tubular member slidably received within an outer tubular member such that a distal end portion of the inner tubular member extends distally from a distal end of the outer tubular member. The catheter assembly further includes a balloon member having first and second end regions wherein a first end region is attached to the distal end portion of the inner tubular member and the second end region is attached to the distal end portion of the outer tubular member.

Abstract: The invention describes a closure device for the provision of freshly created gastric feeding fistulas, the basis of the design of the device being an introverted balloon that allows a sealing and hemostatic axial traction movement on the fistula that is to be sealed, the concentric balloon ends which run transmurally through the stomach and abdominal wall being arranged in a special seal-promoting and hemostatic manner.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, balloons are intended for use in valvuloplasty of stenosed aortic valves, with a potential use for valvuloplasty of other heart valves as well. Their common special feature is that the entire or part of their external surface is covered by a drug that is eluted at the valve tissues during the balloon brief contact with them at the time of dilatation. The drug acts against the process of restenosis, which almost uniformly occurs after some time. The shape of the balloon can be the classical cylindrical or an hour-glass shape that facilitates targeted delivery of the drug at the valve tissues. Additional balloon shapes are described for usage after valvuloplasty is carried out in order to achieve targeted drug delivery in the upper or both surfaces of the leaflets, and for prolonged contact with the valve tissues without interruption of blood circulation. An advantage of the balloons is that the local delivery of the drug will significantly reduce the likelihood of restenosis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens are described. A catheter having a proximal portion of a first diameter and a distal portion of a second diameter (smaller than the first diameter) is advanced into a body lumen. The distal portion of the catheter is caused to expand to a diameter that is larger than the second diameter but no larger than the first diameter. A working device is then advanced out of the distal end of the catheter and used to remove obstructive matter, deliver an implantable device or substance and/or restore flow. The distal portion can be reduced in diameter prior to removal from the body. A stand alone, guide catheter is also disclosed possessing high resistance to kinking even with a very thin wall.

Abstract: The invention describes a closure device for the provision of freshly created gastric feeding fistulas, the basis of the design of the device being an introverted balloon that allows a sealing and hemostatic axial traction movement on the fistula that is to be sealed, the concentric balloon ends which run transmurally through the stomach and abdominal wall being arranged in a special seal-promoting and hemostatic manner.

Abstract: A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a balloon catheter involves applying a first application liquid, which contains a hydrophilic coating material, to the outer periphery of a balloon which is disposed on an elongated catheter and is held in an expanded state; folding the balloon; and applying a second application liquid, which contains the hydrophilic coating material, to the balloon with the balloon folded.

Abstract: A balloon tamponade catheter for controlling uterine postpartum hemorrhage has an elongated body with a balloon at a marginal distal end of the elongated body for insertion into the uterus. The balloon preferably has a pear-shaped appearance. The balloon may have a first hemisphere that is located on the catheter distal to second, smaller hemisphere. The first hemisphere has a plane of maximum diameter that is larger than the second hemisphere's plane of maximum diameter. Between the two planes of maximum diameter, the balloon comprises a transition section. In some cases, the transition section bows inward towards the elongated body when the balloon is uninflated and/or inflated. Additionally, the elongated body preferably does not extend distally past the distal end of the first hemisphere.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter balloon is configured to improve its fold-in or collapsing behavior. The catheter balloon has a balloon body portion, a first tapered end portion and a second tapered end portion. The balloon body portion has a substantially cylindrical shape in an expanded state. The first tapered end portion is formed at a first end of the balloon body portion. The first tapered end portion includes a first predetermined embossment. The second tapered end portion is formed at a second end of the balloon body portion. The second tapered end portion includes a second predetermined embossment. The balloon body portion is formed free of a predetermined embossment. In other words, the balloon body portion is formed without folds so that there is only predetermined folding on the conical end portions for inducing the folding of the balloon body portion in a predetermined direction upon collapsing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter system comprising one or more conduits to which are attached a compliant balloon having a non-helical shape in its deflated state, wherein said balloon is constructed such that is capable of adopting a spiral or helical conformation upon inflation. In addition, the present invention also provides methods for using said balloon catheter system.

Abstract: A system for removing undesirable material from vessels and from chambers within the heart is provided. The system includes a suction cannula for removing the undesirable material from a site of interest within a patient. A filter device may be provided for capturing the undesirable material and removing it from the fluid flow. The system also includes pump for generating the necessary suction force through the suction cannula to dislodge the undesirable material from the site of interest and for generating a sufficient driving force to direct the fluid flow downstream within the system. The system further includes a reinfusion cannula for introducing fluid removed from the site of interest back into a patient. A method for removing undesirable material from vessels and from heart chambers is also provided.

Abstract: A method of fabrication of a medical balloon, and a balloon device useful for various medical balloon procedures, such as gastrointestinal, vascular, reproductive system, urinary system and pulmonary applications. At least two layers of a thermoplastic film are sealed at their peripheral edges and heat sealed at one or more locations inside an area enclosed by the sealed edges at predetermined locations, in one implementation of the balloon device. Such configuration enables the balloon to articulate to a desired shape upon inflation, with the desired shape being selected to accommodate a specific medical application.

Abstract: A catheter capable of rapid inflation and deflation and operation by one individual.

Abstract: Described is a medical device and method for allowing fenestration of the aortic wall while maintaining distal perfusion and preventing external bleeding. The device isolates a segment of the aortic wall from the flowing column of blood using a balloon mounted on a metal alloy strut assembly. The strut assembly expands radially from a collapsed, low-profile configuration when uncovered by a constraining outer sheath. Aortic blood flow is allowed through the flow passage thus contained by the strut assembly within the center of the balloon. The balloon is inflated to contact the aortic wall. The balloon contains a pocket shaped to allow aortic fenestration. The balloon contains radiopaque markers to facilitate orientation and positioning of the pocket within the aorta. Other embodiments using spaced balloons are also disclosed.