Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to balloon catheter assemblies. The balloon catheter assemblies can include a plurality of ports, a junction hub, an elongated member, and an inflation balloon. The balloon catheter assemblies can also include a reinforced tubular shaft extending through the inflation balloon. The balloon catheter assemblies can also include a retaining mechanism that can be removably attached to the junction hub.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to balloon catheter assemblies. The balloon catheter assemblies can include a hub, an elongated member, and an inflation balloon. The balloon catheter assemblies can also include a support wire having a proximal end that is longitudinally displaceable within a sleeve that is disposed in the catheter hub. A distal end of the support wire may be coupled to the inflation balloon at one or more positions.

Abstract: An insertion portion rigidity changeable catheter with a balloon has an insertion portion including a coil-shaped member which is extensible and contractible, with a compression length set to be a predetermined length, and a sheath which is a tube body with flexibility having a fluid conduit, includes a sheath main body surrounded by the coil-shaped member, and a sheath end portion provided at one end side of the sheath main body, and having a contact surface which one end surface of the coil-shaped member contacts, has one opening of the fluid conduit in the sheath end portion and has another opening of the fluid conduit at another end side of the sheath main body, an inflatable/deflatable balloon which is inflated by being supplied with a fluid via the one opening of the fluid conduit to expand to a diameter larger than an outside diameter of the sheath end portion, and is deflated by the fluid being discharged via the one opening to be brought into close contact with an outer circumferential face of the sh

Abstract: Distal access balloon guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens, or inflating balloons affixed to the distal end of the guide catheter system are described. A Distal access balloon guide catheter having a proximal region, an optional medial region of intermediate flexibility, and distal region possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio. The balloon is inflated by means of a kink-resistant secondary lumen embedded within the walls of the balloon guide catheter system tubing.

Abstract: A reinforced composite balloon may comprise a body layer and a reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer may comprise a single-layer structural network having a plurality of apertures. The reinforcing layer may be molded from a reinforcing tube having a plurality of apertures or aperture precursor holes.

Abstract: A transluminal device may include an elongate section extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the device. The elongate section may be configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The device may include a balloon within the elongate section between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a core wire and an opening control portion. The core wire is formed of a long wire disposed in an outer shaft and includes a pushing portion. The opening control portion is provided in the outer shaft and has a control hole that communicates with an inflation lumen. The opening area of the control hole in the opening control portion is partially closed when the pushing portion of the core wire comes into contact with the control hole.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for dilation of stenotic tissue within a tubular member of the body such as a blood vessel provides fluid flow such as blood flow through the balloon while it is being inflated and after it has been inflated. For valvuloplasty applications or for predilitation prior to a TAVI procedure the balloon is placed across the stenotic aortic valve leaflets and inflated to push the leaflets aside to create a greater blood flow area or allow improved subsequent passage of the large TAVI catheter across the stenotic aortic valve leaflets. As the balloon is inflated in diameter, it is required to reduce in length; this length reduction causes a braided inner tubing to also reduce in length. The braided inner tube is thereby required it to increase in diameter during the balloon inflation and create a suitably large blood flow path through the inner tubing.

Abstract: A medical balloon catheter including a shaft comprised of a cross-wound coil tube and a sleeve surrounding the cross-wound coil tube. The cross-wound coil tube includes a monofilament inner coil disposed within a monofilament outer coil. The inner and outer coils are wound in opposite pitch directions. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the inner and outer coils includes a tapered distal section having a tapered diameter. In at least another embodiment, the inner coil extends distally beyond the distal end of the outer coil, providing increased flexibility in a distal portion of the shaft. An inflation balloon is attached to the distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes an inflation lumen formed through the inner coil and a wire guide lumen formed through the distal portion of the shaft and extending through the chamber of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon and method of making a balloon catheter is provided. The balloon for the balloon catheter may be made by slicing through an integral dilation element on a parison (10). The parison may then be stretched to spread the slices to form wider gaps (20). The gaps define separate dilation element segments (14), which may make the balloon more flexible.

Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support and an inflatable dilation portion located on the tubular support. The inflatable dilation portion includes a stiffening portion and inflation lumen. The device may have a retention portion configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation portion. The device is designed to be placed in a patient to dilate the stoma for the installation of a catheter feeding tube. The device may be placed and withdrawn with the use of an endoscope which need be inserted into the patient only one time. The single insertion of the endoscope significantly reduces the trauma to the patient in comparison with multiple endoscope insertion methods.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure describe a balloon catheter. The balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft including a proximal shaft, a midshaft attached to the proximal shaft, and a distal shaft attached to the midshaft. A balloon may be coupled to the distal shaft. An inflation lumen may be defined in the catheter shaft that extends from the proximal shaft, through the midshaft, and into the distal shaft. The inflation lumen may be in fluid communication with the balloon. A core wire may be extending through a portion of the inflation lumen. A push member may be coupled to the core wire, the push member being configured to engage an inner wall surface of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.

Abstract: This is a balloon catheter having at least two lumens. One of the lumens is a large working lumen. The balloon catheter is especially useful as a guide catheter or micro catheter and may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. In particular, it has value in treating neurovascular embolic strokes in combination with other devices which are delivered to the stroke site through that working lumen. The remainder of the lumens typically are used to inflate and to deflate the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter that includes a balloon, and a balloon inside tube which passes through an inner lumen of the balloon and includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a support body. In the balloon catheter, the balloon, the inner layer, and the outer layer are formed of thermoplastic polymers that can be heat-welded to each other. A thermoplastic polymer forming the inner layer has a higher melting point than a thermoplastic polymer forming the outer layer. In the present invention, since the inner layer and the outer layer are formed of thermoplastic polymers that can be heat-welded to each other, delamination of the inner layer of the balloon inside tube can be prevented.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including either a reinforced balloon bolster or the combination of a balloon bolster and a wire-basket bolster. According to one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a low-profile replacement PEG device comprising a feeding tube, an external bolster, an end cap and an internal bolster. The internal bolster comprises a first expandable structure and a second expandable structure. In one embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure comprises reinforcing members. In another embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure is a wire basket bolster. The feeding tube has a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen, extending parallel longitudinally. The external bolster is fixed to the external end of the feeding tube and has a feeding lumen aligned with that of the tube and an inflation lumen aligned with that of the tube.

Abstract: A transluminal device may include an elongate section extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the device. The elongate section may be configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The device may include a balloon within the elongate section between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration and expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as ureteroscopy, cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, and spinal access.

Abstract: A tubular catheter support member comprises a plurality of annular segments stacked along a longitudinal axis of the catheter, and a plurality of beams connecting respective annular segments in the stack, wherein the beams meet the respective annular segments at oblique angles, and wherein the beams collectively form a helix around the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: Catheter comprising an inner tubular member defining a fluid lumen and inflation lumen therein. An exterior surface of the inner tubular member defines a fluid flow port in fluid communication with the fluid lumen and located along a region of the inner tubular member. Catheter further includes an outer member having a distal section movable relative to the inner tubular member and having an interior surface. A piston balloon is coupled to the inner tubular member distal to the fluid flow port and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port. Fluid introduced through the inflation lumen inflates the piston balloon to seal against the interior surface and fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force to urge at least the distal section of the outer member in a proximal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for retroperfusion of tissues and organs. The apparatus comprises a catheter with a proximal end for engaging a supply of the fluid medium, and a distal end having an expandable-contractible chamber for installation into suitable vessels or organs. The expandable-contractible chamber comprises a conduit element having a fluid-filled hollow wall defining a lumen. The conduit element has a first deformable inner-facing section approximate a proximal end of the conduit and a second deformable inner-facing section approximate a distal end of the conduit element. Controlled application of a pressure at a proximal end of the conduit element causes deformation of the conduit into the lumen at its distal end thereby occluding the flow of fluid medium through the catheter. Controlled release of the pressure releases deformation of the fluid-filled conduit at its distal end thereby unblocking the flow of the fluid medium through the catheter.

Abstract: A retrograde delivery catheter includes at its distal end an expandable member configured to at least partially occlude the coronary sinus of a patient's heart, and has a length and variable stiffness that allows the distal end to be selectively articulated so as to be positioned in the coronary sinus. The delivery catheter has a triple lumen construction with a primary lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and configured to allow a cardioplegic fluid to be delivered to the coronary sinus. A second lumen provides for balloon inflation while a third lumen allows monitoring of a pressure within the coronary sinus. A torque may be applied and a reinforcement member within the delivery catheter provides improved torque transmission along the length of the catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medico-technical device for at least partially introducing into a body passage. Said device comprises an elongate, tubular, flexible internal body (2), an elongate exterior enveloping body (3) which surrounds, at least partially, said internal body (2) on the periphery thereof, and a device (4) for transferring the device (1) from a flexible state to a rigid state and vice-versa. The invention is characterized in that the internal body (2), which is in the form of a double tube (5), comprises an inner tube (6) which forms an inner wall (8) of the internal body (2) and an external tube (7) which forms an external wall (9) of the internal body (2), said external tube (7) surrounding the inner tube (6) in a concentric manner on the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly including either a reinforced balloon bolster or the combination of a balloon bolster and a wire-basket bolster. According to one embodiment, the medical catheter assembly is a low-profile replacement PEG device comprising a feeding tube, an external bolster, an end cap and an internal bolster. The internal bolster comprises a first expandable structure and a second expandable structure. In one embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure comprises reinforcing members. In another embodiment, the first expandable structure is a balloon and the second expandable structure is a wire basket bolster. The feeding tube has a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen, extending parallel longitudinally. The external bolster is fixed to the external end of the feeding tube and has a feeding lumen aligned with that of the tube and an inflation lumen aligned with that of the tube.

Abstract: Distal access balloon guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens, or inflating balloons affixed to the distal end of the guide catheter system are described. A Distal access balloon guide catheter having a proximal region, an optional medial region of intermediate flexibility, and distal region possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio. The balloon is inflated by means of a kink-resistant secondary lumen embedded within the walls of the balloon guide catheter system tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intraluminal stent delivery catheter device having improved stent retention. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a catheter having an expandable member and a fibrous matrix positioned over the expandable member and a stent mounted on the outer surface of the fibrous matrix. The fibrous matrix provides mechanical interface for improved stent retention, delivery and deployment.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes an elongate support member defining first and second openings therein, open proximal and distal ends, and an axial lumen; and a balloon disposed on the elongate support member, the balloon defining a balloon interior through which the support member extends, where the balloon interior has a proximal end region, a middle region, and a distal end region, with the first opening located in the middle region, and the second opening located in the distal end region, such that the support member lumen is in communication with the balloon interior through each of the first and second openings, and such that a pressurized liquid introduced through the open proximal end of the support member will enter the balloon interior through the first opening, and subsequently exit the balloon interior through the second opening, back into the lumen, and out the open distal end of the support member.

Abstract: A catheter assembly employs an outer catheter with a pre-formed distal end and an open lumen. An inner catheter having an open lumen and a pre-formed distal end is movably disposed within the outer catheter. Relative rotation and extension of the inner and outer catheters provides the distal end of the catheter assembly with an adjustable range of two- and three-dimensional shapes. The inner catheter can include sections of varying stiffness, such that extension of the inner catheter within the outer catheter modifies the shape of the outer catheter's pre-formed distal end. One or both of the outer and inner catheters includes an occlusion balloon attached to the distal end thereof. The adjustable shaping of the catheter assembly's distal tip provides an improved system for locating and cannulating cardiac venous structures, particularly the coronary sinus via the right atrium.

Abstract: The bendable catheter includes a flexible tubular main tube; a bendable part having a longitudinal axis and an internal space formed along the longitudinal axis, and being capable of being bent; a first coil provided in the internal space along the longitudinal axis; a second coil having a central axis extending parallel to a central axis of the first coil and provided adjacent to the first coil in a space formed between the bendable part and the first coil; and a bending manipulation wire arranged within the second coil, being capable of bending the bendable part, and having one end fixed to the bendable part.

Abstract: Coaxial balloon catheters are described herein. The balloon catheter can include outer and inner tubes in a coaxial relationship, with a balloon attached to an end thereof. A support sleeve can be disposed around the inner tubular member proximate the proximal end of the balloon. The support sleeve can have a channel formed therein to communicate with an inflation lumen and a balloon interior. The channel may be formed by separation of two longitudinal edges extending through the support sleeve. The support sleeve can include an outward extending portion that is sized to engage the distal end of the outer tube in order to limit relative movement between the inner and outer tubes. The support sleeve can be configured to orient the inner tube eccentrically or concentrically relative to the outer tube. The support sleeve can have an elongate body that can be extended in proximal or distal direction.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of randomly oriented fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon, where the non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon, is made with a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer such that the fibers of the first fiber layer and the fibers of the second fiber layer form an angle and a binding layer coating the first fiber layer and said second fiber layer. The interior surface area of the non-compliant medical balloon remains unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.

Abstract: The long nose manipulatable catheter includes a main lumen, a wire lumen with a push-pull wire therethrough, and a flexible joint region. The catheter section includes a control including a handle and a wire control member engaging the push-pull wire for manipulating the flexible joint region. The push-pull wire may be tapered, having a proximal portion of a first diameter and a smaller diameter distal portion. A coil may be placed around the smaller diameter to prevent buckling of the smaller diameter portion. A strapping coil may also disposed around the outside of the catheter, and an outer covering may be disposed around the strapping coil. An outer covering of a mesh may also be disposed around the distal tip of the catheter.

Abstract: A transluminal device may include an elongate section extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the device. The elongate section may be configured to be inserted into a body cavity. The device may include a balloon within the elongate section between the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: The methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein generally involve convection-enhanced delivery of drugs to a target region within a patient. Microfluidic catheter devices are disclosed that are particularly suitable for targeted delivery of drugs via convection, including devices capable of multi-directional drug delivery, devices that control fluid pressure and velocity using the venturi effect, and devices that include conformable balloons. Methods of treating various diseases using such devices are also disclosed, including methods of treating cerebral and spinal cavernous malformations, cavernomas, and hemangiomas, methods of treating neurological diseases, methods of treatment using multiple microfluidic delivery devices, methods of treating hearing disorders, methods of spinal drug delivery using microfluidic devices, and methods of delivering stem cells and therapeutics during fetal surgery. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided with three lumens. The first lumen may be used as a guide wire lumen. The second lumen may be used as an inflation lumen. The third lumen may be used to provide various treatments to a vessel. Methods of using the balloon catheter to treat a patient are also provided.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon is formed with a first fiber layer including a first fiber and a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer. The first fiber is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the non-compliant medical balloon.

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: Disclosed is an access catheter, having a distal segment which is moveable from a reduced outside diameter for positioning at a target site, and an enlarged outside diameter to create an enlarged internal working lumen. In one application, the catheter is configured for use as an intracranial aspiration catheter. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner shaft having a tubular inner layer, a braid arranged on the tubular inner layer, and an outer layer made of resin and covering the braid. The catheter also includes a tubular tip attached to a front end of the inner shaft, the tubular tip has a portion that is thicker than the front end of the inner shaft, and an outer diameter that decreases toward a front end thereof.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a balloon catheter employing a reinforced, co-axial, duel lumen design. In certain embodiments, at least one of the lumens is formed of a multilayer, tubular element in which one of the layers functions, in part, to provide radial reinforcement to the tubular element.

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 tubular catheter support member comprises a plurality of annular segments stacked along a longitudinal axis of the catheter, and a plurality of beams connecting respective annular segments in the stack, wherein the beams meet the respective annular segments at oblique angles, and wherein the beams collectively form a helix around the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a radiopaque coil embedded in the catheter's body corresponding to a landmark of the balloon or other location on the catheter body. The radiopaque coil can be viewed under fluoroscopy to located the balloon or other structure of the catheter. The coil can be readily inserted in the manufacturing process by inserting it between two layers that form the catheter body, and then sealing the coil inside the catheter at the desired location. This facilitates both the manufacturing process and prevents the marker from being dislodged during the manufacturing, navigation, or inflation process.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a core wire and an opening control portion. The core wire is formed of a long wire disposed in an outer shaft and includes a pushing portion. The opening control portion is provided in the outer shaft and has a control hole that communicates with an inflation lumen. The opening area of the control hole in the opening control portion is partially closed when the pushing portion of the core wire comes into contact with the control hole.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may include a multi-lumen tube having an inflation lumen and a guide wire lumen. The multi-lumen tube may include a proximal end and a distal end and may terminate at a distal tip. The catheter may include an extension tube extending distally from the distal tip of the multi-lumen tube and a dilatation balloon disposed about the multi-lumen tube and the extension tube. The distal tip of the multi-lumen tube may be under the balloon.

Abstract: An illustrative system includes a catheter with a first conduit having a first distal port. The first distal port is in fluid communication with an interior of a balloon mounted to the catheter. The catheter also includes a second conduit having a second distal port, where the second distal port is configured to receive a needle. The balloon is configured to inflate responsive to a fluid received through the first distal port such that the needle is suitably positioned to penetrate an external surface of a subject.

Abstract: Devices and methods for transferring forces down a catheter shaft while also maintaining an open fluid pathway are disclosed. In some of the designs, inner and outer members of the catheter interact, allowing improved transfer of forces down the catheter shaft. These designs also allow for maintenance of a fluid pathway along the length of the shaft, including at locations where the inner and outer members are interacting with one another. Structures are disclosed which extend at least a portion of the length of the shaft, allowing improved force transfer and resistance to kinking. Structures are also disclosed which specifically allow for inner and outer members to engage one another at at least one point along the shaft, improving the transfer of forces down the shaft.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon. The non-compliant medical balloon is composed of a matted fabric layer composed of at least two matted fabric fibers forming an angle. The angle remains substantially unchanged when the balloon changes from a deflated state to an inflated state.