Abstract: An infusion catheter has an elongate flexible shaft including a wall and a lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter also has a sealing member within the shaft lumen including a wall and a lumen. The catheter also has a slidable, retractable elongate central axis member extending through the shaft and sealing member lumens connected to an end cap. The catheter also has a plurality of eluting arms extending radially around the central axis member, including lumens fluidly connected to the shaft lumen and the distal end cap. A method for treating a thrombus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A urinary catheter is readily removed and replaced with a second urinary catheter without introducing foreign matter or contaminants into the bladder. The first urinary catheter includes an extra lumen that houses a sheath therein to seal an opening or third hole at or near the tip of the catheter so that fluids do not enter the extra lumen. After the sheath seal is broken and the sheath is extracted from the catheter, a guidewire is threaded through the extra lumen and into the patient's bladder. The first urinary catheter is withdrawn from the patient, leaving the guidewire in the patient. A second urinary catheter is inserted into the patient over the guidewire, with the guidewire present in the urine lumen of the second urinary catheter. The guidewire then is extracted from the patient.

Abstract: Medical devices such as stents, stent grafts, and balloon catheters include a coating layer applied over a modified exterior surface of the medical device. The modified exterior surface comprises an exterior surface of the medical device subjected to a surface modification that decreases a surface free energy of the exterior surface before application of the coating layer an exterior surface. The coating layer comprises a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and at least one additive. The modified exterior surface may affect the release kinetics of the drug from the device, the crystallinity of the drug layer, the surface morphology of the coating and particle shape, or the particle size of drug of a therapeutic layer in the coating layer. For example, the effects caused by the modified exterior surface may increase the retention time and amount of therapeutic agent in tissue.

Abstract: A balloon catheter has an outer shaft which surrounds a shaft lumen. The outer shaft has a proximal outer shaft portion connected to a distal outer shaft portion. An inner shaft is in a distal portion of the shaft lumen. A guide wire lumen is in the inner shaft. An opening at a proximal end portion of the inner shaft permits the guide wire to be guided out from the outer shaft. A metallic tube is in the shaft lumen. The proximal end portion of the inner shaft is engaged with the metallic tube. A separate, elongate and metallic stiffening element is in the shaft lumen, and is connected to the metallic tube and protrudes from the metallic tube into the distal portion of the shaft lumen and into the proximal portion of the shaft lumen to stiffen portions of the outer shaft.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device is capable of being positioned over an expandable instrument, such as a balloon catheter. The exoskeleton device may include an expandable section that receives an expander of the expandable instrument. Expansion of the expander may cause the expandable section of the exoskeleton device to expand and force the expandable section of the exoskeleton device against a surface to be treated. The expandable section may be capable of scoring the surface against which it is forced.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device is capable of being positioned over an expandable instrument, such as a balloon catheter. The exoskeleton device may include an expandable section that receives an expander of the expandable instrument. Expansion of the expander may cause the expandable section of the exoskeleton device to expand and force the expandable section of the exoskeleton device against a surface to be treated. The expandable section may be capable of scoring the surface against which it is forced.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a catheter shaft, a balloon and a support assembly. The catheter shaft defines an internal shoulder and carries the balloon. The support assembly includes a first member and a second member. The second member defines opposing, leading and trailing ends, and is arranged over the first member such that the leading end is distal the trailing end. The leading end is free of direct physical attachment to the first member. The support assembly extends within a lumen of the catheter shaft and the leading end bears against the internal shoulder. A pushing force applied at a proximal region of the catheter shaft is transferred onto the internal shoulder via the support assembly. The support assembly is simple and inexpensive. Further, the leading end of the second member is transversely moveable relative to the first member, thereby minimizing possible kinking of the first member.

Abstract: An intracavity balloon catheter may include a flexible catheter and a balloon provided on a distal end of the flexible catheter. The balloon may be inflatable with the introduction of fluid into the balloon from the flexible catheter. The balloon may be composed of a plurality of sections, including a center section and side sections. The inflated balloon may have shapes such as cylindrical, semi-cylindrical, or pillow shape. The intracavity balloon catheter may further include a securing device, such as a positioning ring, for securing the position of an inserted intracavity balloon catheter. This securing device may be composed of two, matable components with a passage extending through. The flexible catheter may be insertable into the passage. Tabs may be provided, either on one of the components or on a locking mechanism provided between the components, to prevent sliding of an inserted flexible catheter.

Abstract: A surgical irrigation and suction control apparatus connecting to an irrigation device and a suction device includes a flexible cannula, a grip, a first tube, a second tube, an irrigation control unit and a suction control unit. The grip is connected to the flexible cannula. The irrigation control unit includes an irrigation switch and an irrigation tube. The irrigation tube is flexible and is connected between the second tube and the irrigation device. The irrigation switch is disposed on the grip and is actuated to change a diameter of the irrigation tube. The suction control unit includes a suction switch and a suction tube. The suction tube is flexible and is connected between the second tube and the suction device. The suction switch is disposed on the grip and is actuated to change a diameter of the suction tube.

Abstract: A medical balloon includes a generally cylindrical barrel wall having proximal and distal ends disposed between tapered cone walls and neck walls with a fiber layer comprised of circumferentially wrapped ribbon-shaped fiber embedded in a continuous matrix of polymer material defining the tapered cone walls and barrel wall, wherein the distance between the fiber wraps defines a fiber pitch or density that varies over the working length of the barrel wall in non-linear increments, for example in step-wise increments over the length of the barrel wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a balloon catheter that can comprise an elongate support member, an inflation tube, a guidewire tube and a balloon. The guidewire tube can define a guidewire port at its proximal end, and can extend from the port through an opening in a wall of the elongate support member and distally through a first lumen of the elongate support member, in some cases to the distal end of the catheter. The inflation tube can be disposed over a distal portion of the elongate support member, a portion of the guidewire tube, a portion of the inner assembly, or any combination thereof, forming a second lumen. The distal end of the balloon can be attached to the guidewire tube and the proximal end of the balloon can be attached to the inflation tube. The inside of the balloon can be in fluid communication with the first lumen and with the second lumen, allowing the balloon to be inflated and/or deflated. The elongate support member can also have cuts in it.

Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a casing defining an enclosure for containing the urine of a patient; the casing being made of a PGA fiber fabric; two first connectors connected to the casing and connectable to the ureters of the patient to allow the entrance of the urine into the enclosure; a second connector connected to the casing and connectable to the patient's urethra to allow the outflow of the urine from the enclosure; a catheter inserted in the enclosure through the second connector and including a duct and an expandable element in fluid communication with the duct.

Abstract: A device and system for thermally affecting tissue that includes a balloon catheter with a reduced distal length for ease of navigation and that also includes a balloon that is more resistant to bursting and delamination. The balloon may include a proximal neck generally attached to an elongate body and a distal neck generally attached to a shaft disposed within the elongate body. The distal neck is turned inward to extend within the balloon chamber and the proximal neck may either extend within the chamber or extend proximally away from the balloon chamber. Alternatively, the device may include an inner balloon and an outer balloon, the distal necks of both being turned inward and extending within the inner balloon chamber. The proximal necks may both also be turned inward to extend within the chamber or the proximal neck of the outer balloon may extend away from the balloon chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a stone fragment suction device are provided with fluid flow paths at a distal tip to encourage creation of turbulence or a vortex to enhance stone dust or debris removal via directed flow using targeted fluid exit conduits. An apparatus includes a steerable access sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip at the distal end, directed flow channels at the distal tip, and a suction conduit positioned within a central lumen of the steerable access sheath from the distal end to the proximal end, the steerable access sheath containing an outer lumen surrounding the central lumen with one or more channels therethrough, the steerable access sheath may further include a radiopaque material at the distal end or along a length of the steerable access sheath to enable tracking with a remote fluoroscopic device.

Abstract: A medical instrument for an endoscope according to the invention is the medical instrument to be used in the endoscope by being inserted therein, and the medical instrument includes: a flexible elongated sheath having a first lumen and a second lumen; a conductive wire which is inserted into the first lumen and of which a portion of a distal side is exposed to the outside of the sheath as an instrument unit; and a balloon which is attached to the sheath and is expandable with the supply of fluid from the second lumen. The balloon is configured such that an axial dimension thereof is larger than a radial dimension upon expansion and a distal end of the balloon upon expansion is located closer to a proximal side than the treatment unit exposed from the sheath.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method that comprises the introduction of a catheter via left subclavian vein, advancing into the right atrium and then positioning it in the inferior vena cava, just at the cava-diaphragm junction, where it is anchored at its extreme; and thereafter an external inflation of a balloon positioned in said catheter takes place through a physiological solution to reach a diameter corresponding to half the diameter of the inferior vena cava, resulting in hemi-occlusion in the expiration phase (breath-out) and total occlusion for a short period during the inspiration phase (breath-in), regulating (normalizing) the venous return and decreasing the cardiac volume overload, as a treatment for heart failure. The invention also comprises hydromechanics devices to normalize the venous return in the circulatory system. Said venous return is increased in 90% of patients with heart failure.

Abstract: A hypotube based deliver system is used to position one or more elements in position for treatment within the body. The elements may include electrodes, sensors or injection ports or even anchors. The hypotubes may have pre-set shapes or are plastically deformed prior to positioning as they exit a positioning device. There are methods of providing therapy using the hypotubes including mixed mode therapies are also described.

Abstract: A system for applying radiofrequency energy to tissue comprising a probe, an energy-delivery surface, and an energy source. The energy-delivery surface is elastomeric with an electrically conductive knit component. The energy-delivery surface can be expanded within an interior of a patient's body to engage tissue and energy delivered from the source through the expanded surface.

Abstract: A vascular dilator for controlling blood flow in a blood vessel, includes an elongate body for inserting into a blood vessel and a generally tapered distal end portion and a proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable members positioned adjacent the distal end portion. The inflatable members are longitudinally spaced from one another by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A recovery device assembly comprises an actuator element and a mechanically radially expandable and contractible recovery device operably connected to the actuator element is provided. The recovery device has proximal and distal toroidal balloon blocking elements and a central portion between the blocking elements. The recovery device is at least partially placeable in a first, radially collapsed configuration and in a second, radially expanded configuration by manipulation of the actuator element. When in the second, radially expanded configuration, the proximal and distal blocking elements have radial dimensions greater than the radial dimension of the central portion thereby at least partially defining a collection chamber at the central portion. Also provided are methods of isolating an organ and recovering blood from an organ that use the recovery device assembly provided.

Abstract: A balloon catheter system includes a tube and a dilator detachable from the tube after the tube is inserted into a cavity in the patient. The cavity may be filled with gas or liquid to expand the viscera surrounding the cavity and the guidewire may be inserted using a trochar, for example. The tube includes one or more lumen to expandable balloons that are inflatable by fluid inserted through the lumen and into the balloon or balloons, which are formed by elastic film sealed on opposite ends to the external diameter of the tube. The dilator is held in place during insertion, such as by a stainless steel shaft and a sheath portion of the dilator extending over the end of the tube being inserted into the cavity. A portion of the sheath may extend over and protect the balloon. A retractor net may be used to capture and remove the dilator or the dilator may be designed as a bioabsorbable or digestible material or of a material that passes safely through the digestive tract of a patient.

Abstract: A catheterization system for treatment of a condition within a blood vessel is provided with a catheter, a balloon immediately adjacent to the distal end of the catheter, an inflation device for expanding the balloon, and a fluid injection device for injecting a treatment fluid through the central lumen of the catheter and out of the aperture at the distal end of the catheter into the treatment area. The system may include an RF wire, a hollow needle wire, a dissection tool, or a laser wire insertable through the central lumen of the catheter and selectively operable adjacent the proximal end of the catheter to apply treatment within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A controlled volume inflation-deflation device to inflate a balloon to occlude a blood vessel by dialing a knob that locks at rotational positions to locate a plunger at equally spaced locations within a syringe of the inflation-deflation device. The inflation-deflation device includes a releasable latch to lock the proximal and distal housings together to hold the plunger forward for occlusion, and to separate and hold the proximal and distal housings to retract the plunger for perfusion. When the inflation-deflation device is returned to the latched position, the balloon is re-inflated to its previous occlusive diameter. Also, an extension tube made of a lower modulus outer material co-extruded over and miscible with a higher modulus inner material may be used to produce a suitably low compliance extension tube for the inflation-deflation device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects. An implantable delivery device comprising a reservoir is initially attached to a deliver catheter or delivery tool and is introduced into the body and positioned at a desired site. A therapeutic or diagnostic substance is then introduced into the reservoir and the delivery catheter or deliver tool is then removed, leaving the implantable delivery device implanted within the body. The substance is then delivered from the reservoir at a rate that causes the desire diagnostic or therapeutic effect. Also provided are substance eluting stents that elute substance from a selected surface of the stent (e.g., the outer surface) but not from another surface of the stent (e.g., the inner surface).

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: Catheter balloon assemblies (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body vessel are provided, as well as related methods of manufacturing and methods of treatment. The catheter balloon assemblies may include a concentrically disposed dual balloon assembly at the distal portion of the catheter having an inner balloon (44), a porous outer balloon (42) concentrically arrayed around the inner balloon and a catheter shaft (30) adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent to the body vessel through the apertures in the outer balloon. Radial outward expansion of the inner balloon may urge the outer balloon into contact with the wall of a body vessel, where the therapeutic agent may be delivered from the catheter shaft through apertures in the outer balloon directly to the wall of the body vessel.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprises a manifold positioned at a proximal end of the catheter assembly. A tether member has a proximal end region fixedly engaged to a portion of the manifold. A proximal tubular member has a first end region engaged to the manifold. The proximal tubular member is disposed about at least a portion of the tether member. At least a portion of the tether member distal of the manifold is fixedly engaged to at least a portion of the proximal tubular member.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal tip. The tip is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter. Importantly, the diameter of each lumen is dimensioned to sequentially receive particles therethrough, to prevent the particles from flocculating before they enter the stream of the second fluid. A valve, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid.

Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying reduced pressure tissue treatment to a tissue site is provided. The system includes a manifold delivery tube and a balloon having an inner space. The balloon is capable of assuming collapsed and expanded positions. The system further includes a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is disposed within the inner space of the balloon. A sharp tip is configured to be delivered within the manifold delivery tube to puncture the balloon.

Abstract: A medical device, at least a portion of which is formed from a polymer composition including at least one liquid crystal block copolymer having at least one A block and at least one B block wherein the A block is formed of mesogenic repeat units and the B block is a soft block.

Abstract: A tubular parison for forming a medical device balloon. The parison is formed of a polymeric material, for instance a thermoplastic elastomer. The parison has an elongation at break which is not more than 80% of the elongation of the bulk polymeric material. The elongation of the parison is controlled by altering extrusion conditions. Balloons prepared from the parisons provide higher wall strength and/or higher inflation durability than balloons prepared from conventional parisons of the same material.

Abstract: A multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The outer layer and the inner layer of the balloon cuff may have different material properties that may enhance a cuff's mechanical pressure seal by reducing wrinkles or folds that may form against a patient's tracheal walls.

Abstract: Medical device polymeric tubing segments suitable for forming catheter shafts or as balloon parisons are formed with discrete regions having different orientation relative to each other. Wall thickness may also be varied of the length of the segment.

Abstract: Medical devices including a substrate that are expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state; a coating on the substrate, the coating having a drug agent incorporated therein; and a sheath over the coating. The sheath is expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state and has at least one perforation therein. The medical devices are configured such that when the substrate is in a compressed state, the sheath is also in a compressed state and the perforation is substantially closed. When the substrate is in an expanded state, the sheath is also in an expanded state and the perforation is substantially open. The invention also includes a method of using the medical devices for the controlled, localized delivery of a drug agent to a target location within a mammalian body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter comprising an outer tube; an inner tube; and a balloon fixed at its proximal sleeve to the outer tube and at its distal sleeve to the inner tube, wherein the inner tube comprises an elastic segment.

Abstract: Medical devices including a substrate that are expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state; a coating on the substrate, the coating having a drug agent incorporated therein; and a sheath over the coating. The sheath is expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state and has at least one perforation therein. The medical devices are configured such that when the substrate is in a compressed state, the sheath is also in a compressed state and the perforation is substantially closed. When the substrate is in an expanded state, the sheath is also in an expanded state and the perforation is substantially open. The invention also includes a method of using the medical devices for the controlled, localized delivery of a drug agent to a target location within a mammalian body.

Abstract: Kit for providing an artificial stomach entrance, comprising a trocar with a trocar sleeve for penetrating the abdominal wall into the stomach and a PEG tube with a distal extension insertable into the stomach in the form of a balloon made of a flexible material if need be with slight stretchability, which has at least one opening and a proximally connecting tubular area, wherein a feeding channel extends from a proximal feeding opening of the tubular area through the tubular area up to the at least one opening and the balloon is connected with a fill channel, which extends along the tubular area up to the proximal end and has a fill opening with a seal.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: A catheter balloon and method involves extruded tubing with multiple layers of different durometer values, selected such that the blow up ratio (BUR) at the balloon's inner surface is increased. In one method a two stage blow mold process uses a small radius initial stage where radial growth is limited, followed by a second stage to a final dimension. A single stage blow mold process is also disclosed where the materials and processing are selected to approach the elongation to failure limit of the material. The single stage approach is preferably followed by a modified post-expansion heat set treatment to promote greater axial strength, leading to a preferred failure mode in the axial rather than radial direction.

Abstract: A catheter assembly 10 comprises a first elongate tubular member 12 having a proximal end portion 14 defining a proximal end 15, a distal end portion 18 having an opening therein 20 and defining a distal end 22, and at least one lumen 24 defined between the proximal end 15 and the distal end 22. A second elongate tubular member 26 has a proximal end portion 28 defining a proximal end 30, a distal end portion 32 defining a distal end 34, and at least one lumen 36 defined between the proximal end 30 and the distal end 34. The second elongate tubular member 26 is received within the at least one lumen 24 of the first elongate tubular member 12, such that the distal end portion 32 of the second elongate tubular member 26 projects from the opening 20 in the distal end portion 18 of the first elongate tubular member 12 An elongate, shape-imparting element 38 is receivable in the at least one lumen 24, 36 of at least one of the first elongate tubular member 12 and the second elongate tubular member 26.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices. Particularly it relates to stent devices and balloon catheter devices. In the most particular aspect of the invention it relates to structures with at least two different lamellar sections used in such a medical device, especially in a balloon on a balloon catheter device carrying a stent comprising at least one layer with at least two lamellar sections different by their shore hardness and its use in a variety of medical procedures to treat medical conditions in animal and human patients.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising cross-linked modified polyamides especially to stent carrying balloon catheters, for use in angioplasty and other procedures of vessel repair.

Abstract: Tracheal ventilation device, particularly a tracheal tube, which seals the trachea in a substantially air-tight manner. The device includes a cuff that blocks the trachea below the glottis and is traversed by a ventilation cannula. The cuff is larger in its filled, freely displaceable, unrestricted state than in its filled state positioned in the trachea. The cuff is of a flexible soft film material and lies against the trachea by means of its folds. The device is adapted to the morphology of a child's larynx and is available in finely graded sizes.

Abstract: A probe for use in connection with anal irrigation is provided. The probe may be used for irrigating the rectum, the urethra, the vagina or a stoma. The probe comprises a tip part and shaft part and a balloon. The probe has two configurations, a first configuration in which the inlet to the tip channel is closed and a second configuration in which the inlet is opened. In use irrigation fluid will be pumped into the lumen and the tip part or a sleeve will move longitudinally with respect to the shaft part thereby moving the probe from a first configuration to a second configuration. Thus in use, the user pumps irrigation liquid into the probe and just continues pumping as the control of the movement in the probe provides for the inflation of the balloon to the desired degree as well as for pumping liquid into the opening to be irrigated.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter having an ultra soft tip. The catheter includes a braided reinforcement member extending substantially the length of the elongate shaft. A balloon is disposed at the distal end of the elongate shaft. An ultra soft tip is formed from a distal portion of balloon material extending distal of the distal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A perfusion guidewire is disclosed. The perfusion guidewire includes an elongate core member and a collapsible sheath tightly wrapped around at least the distal portion of the elongate core member such that the wrapped sheath is folded upon itself, forming a plurality of layers of material in a radial direction from the longitudinal axis of the elongate core member. The wrapped sheath is tightly wrapped about the elongate core member such that the wrapped sheath and elongate core member travel as a unit during navigation within the blood vessel of the body of a patient. The wrapped sheath is expandable to a larger diameter in order to allow a perfusate to pass through the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: A device for tamponade of body cavities and for mechanical anchoring of a catheter, the device including a flexible tube segment (2) having an inner wall (4) and an outer wall (6) that surround an interior space (8), wherein the tube segment (2) is inflatable, and is configured without through-passing support bodies so that a displacement of tube wall material between the inner wall (4) and the outer wall (6) of the tube segment (2) is possible by inflation of the tube segment, wherein the tube segment is provided with two ends (7,9), which are fastened to a same closing element (10), configured so that a torus geometry is striven for as the inflatable tube segment (2) is inflated and the closing element (10) is a pipe nipple and the two ends (7,9) of the tube segment (2) are joined together fluid-tightly.

Abstract: A system including an overtube configured to radially expand facilitates insertion of instruments in a patient. The system is directed to an overtube comprising an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, the overtube configured to radially expand from an insertion configuration to an expanded configuration, and including at least one articulation section having at least one degree of freedom and including a main channel expandable in the radial direction, and at least one additional channel. The at least one articulation section can radially expand. The system may include a radially expandable overtube having an optical channel configured to receive an optical device. The main channel and/or the at least one additional channel may be sized to receive one or more medical instruments.

Abstract: An improved method and devices for preventing restenosis are provided. The method may include delivering a stent configured to contain a stenosis to a body vessel. The method may also include using atherectomy at the site prior to stent delivery. In one embodiment, the stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and a center portion arranged such that the diameters of the proximal and distal ends are greater than the diameter of the center portion. In one embodiment, the atherectomy device includes a housing to prevent injury to the unaffected areas of the body vessels but the cutter is extendible beyond the housing. In one embodiment, the stent may be impregnated with at least one drug after stent deployment.