Abstract: A medical device for occluding a Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) of a human heart, including an expandable sponge-like component, having a proximal and distal ends, configured to transition between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration of the sponge-like component is configured to conform to at least the entrance to the LAA, which is sufficient to prevent blood flow within the heart from entering the LAA.

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 clot removal system includes an elongated tubular sheath and an elongated tubular catheter received within the sheath. A distal segment of the catheter is split into a plurality of catheter wall segments, with each wall segment having a pre-shaped curved configuration. Each wall segment defines at least one scraping edge and has a distal tip that is less stiff than a remaining portion of the wall segment. The clot removal system has a transport configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is axially aligned with a distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments are urged against the pre-shaped curved configuration by the sheath. The clot removal system also has a deployed configuration in which the distal segment of the catheter is advanced distally beyond the distal segment of the sheath and the wall segments conform to the pre-shaped curved configuration.

Abstract: A method including positioning a catheter at a location in a blood vessel; imaging a thickness of a portion of a wall of the blood vessel at the location; identifying a treatment site; advancing a needle a distance into the wall of the blood vessel to the treatment site; and introducing a treatment agent through the needle to the treatment site. A composition including an inflammation-inducing agent and a carrier in the form of microspheres having a particle size suitable for transvascular delivery. A composition including a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter in a carrier and an opsonin-inhibitor coupled to the carrier. An apparatus for delivery of a therapeutic angiogenesis promoter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the volume of a pouch formed in a stomach during bariatric surgery comprises a balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon located at a distal end of a catheter for locating in the stomach. A pair of spaced apart stimulating electrodes are located on the catheter within the balloon and a plurality of spaced apart sensing electrodes are located on the catheter between the stimulating electrodes. The balloon in the stomach is inflated by a saline solution to define the interior of the pouch. By applying a constant current signal to the stimulating electrodes, the volume of the pouch is determined from signals read from the sensing electrodes.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter is positioned in a urinary tract to drain urine from the bladder to a position distally adjacent to a sphincter muscle. A balloon of the catheter is inflated through an inflation tube extending through the urinary tract. A coiled section of the inflation tube contacts the constriction caused by the sphincter muscle. The balloon and the coiled section resist movement of the indwelling catheter while still permitting natural urination. The indwelling catheter is inserted by an insertion tool which is separably connected to the catheter. Once the indwelling catheter is positioned, the tool is disconnected and withdrawn from the urinary tract. Risks of blood clots obstructing the flow of urine through the indwelling catheter immediately following a surgical procedure on the prostate gland are avoided by flushing fluid through the insertion tool and the catheter to clear an internal urine flow passageway in the catheter.

Abstract: An elongate shaft of a medical catheter including a thermoset polymeric tubular member including a skived distal portion. The skived distal portion includes a distally extending trough having a convex surface and a concave surface. A thermoplastic tubular sleeve may be positioned over at least a portion of the skived distal portion of the thermoset polymeric tubular member. In some instances, the thermoplastic tubular sleeve includes a crescent-shaped tubular portion defining a crescent-shaped lumen. The trough of the skived distal portion may extend through the crescent-shaped lumen. The thermoplastic tubular sleeve is thermally bonded to the inner and outer tubular members of a distal section of the elongate shaft at a guidewire port joint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device for angioplasty or parts thereof, which is made of elastomeric material, wherein the elastomeric material comprises a polyamide-based polymer obtained from the polymerization of a compound forming polyamide blocks that is selected from the group consisting of an aminocarboxylic acid of Formula (1) and a lactam of Formula (2): with a polyether diamine triblock compound of Formula (3): and a dicarboxylic acid of Formula (4): HOOC—(R3)m-COOH??(4) wherein the groups R1, R2 and R3 are each binding groups comprising a hydrocarbon chain therein that may be interrupted by one or more amide groups; x is an integer from 1 to 20; y is an integer from 4 to 50, z is an integer from 1 to 20; m is 0 or 1.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a medical device including an elongate shaft disposed about a guidewire, and a distal tip including a plurality of rounded protrusions, wherein adjacent protrusions are fixed directly to each other by a discrete, relatively flexible connector. The plurality of protrusions may each decrease in size from a proximalmost protrusion distally to distalmost protrusion.

Abstract: A single operator exchange biliary catheter having a tubular member extending proximally from the proximal guidewire port. The tubular member defines a guidewire lumen extension adapted to permit the guidewire to be retracted from guidewire lumen and re-inserted therein. By retracting the guidewire from the guidewire lumen and into the guidewire lumen extension, fluid may be readily injected via the guidewire lumen without encountering resistance to fluid flow from the guidewire. The guidewire lumen extension also maintains guidewire lumen access such that the guidewire may be easily re-inserted into the guidewire lumen.

Abstract: A method is described for decreasing activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating at least one blood vessel in the pulmonary vasculature of a patient to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension. In one embodiment, the method may involve advancing an intravascular treatment device to a target location in a target blood vessel within the pulmonary vasculature of the patient and using the treatment device to decrease activity of at least one sympathetic nerve, nerve fiber or neuron innervating the target blood vessel at or near the target location to ameliorate pulmonary hypertension.

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: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion are provided. The subject catheter systems include at least an aspiration catheter and at least one of a total occlusion insert catheter and a partial occlusion insert catheter, where the insert catheters are capable of being slidably moved in the lumen of the aspiration catheter. In practicing the subject methods, a surface of the vascular occlusion is flushed with an acidic dissolution fluid using the subject catheter systems for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established. The subject catheter systems and methods find use in the treatment of a variety of different vascular diseases characterized by the presence of calcified vascular occlusions, including peripheral and coronary vascular diseases.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system or method for treating heart tissue can include a catheter device that provides a user with the ability to perform a number of heart treatment tasks (before, during, and after a cardiac surgery or a percutaneous coronary intervention). In particular embodiments, the catheter device can be used to (i) precondition heart muscle tissue before the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, (ii) deliver cardioplegia into the coronary sinus during the cardiac surgery when the heart is isolated from the circulatory system, and (iii) control the blood flow through the heart after the heart is reconnected with the circulatory system. In some embodiments, the catheter device can perform some or all of: (i) intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, (ii) delivering a treatment fluid into the coronary sinus, and (iii) monitoring a flow rate of blood passing from the coronary sinus to the right atrium.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a device comprising a catheter. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of removing an agent from blood.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Medical device system comprising a catheter including an elongate tubular member having an inner wall surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through at least a portion of the tubular member. The medical device also includes an inner stop extending inwardly from the inner wall surface of the tubular member at a distal end section of the catheter and a pusher device insertable into the lumen. The pusher device has a contact surface to abut the inner stop of the tubular member.

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: Fluid delivery systems capable of introducing first and second fluids into first and second lumens of a multi-lumen catheter are provided. The first and second fluids are generally a dissolution fluid and a dissolution fluid attenuating fluid. Also provided are fluid delivery devices and kits that include the subject systems. The subject fluid delivery systems find use in a variety of different applications, and are particularly suited for use in the chemical ablation of internal vascular lesions.

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: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body which has a distal end and a proximal end in respect of an operating position, wherein the catheter body comprises an inner tube and an outer tube which is displaceable relative thereto, and a deformation body is disposed on the distal end which is connected in the distal region thereof to the distal end of the inner tube, and in the proximal region thereof to the distal end of the outer tube.

Abstract: A catheter with an elongated catheter body which, with regard to a position of use, has a distal and a proximal end, wherein at the distal end, a sponge- or cushion-like elastic deformation body is arranged which has, in particular, electrically, mechanically or optically acting measuring means or a measuring connection for detecting a pressing force exerted on the deformation body.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer or to the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of a Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polycarbonate diamine.

Abstract: The present invention provides bariatric therapy systems. One system includes a gastrointestinal implant device and a delivery mechanism therefor. The device can include a sleeve for placement into a small intestine and to minimize absorption of nutrients by its walls. An anchoring mechanism coupled to a proximal end of the sleeve and designed to be secured within the stomach can be provided. A passageway extending through the anchoring mechanism and the sleeve can also be provided, along which food can be directed from the stomach to the small intestine. The delivery mechanism can include a housing for accommodating the device, and a deploying balloon situated within the housing and which can be actuated to direct the sleeve of the device from within the housing to the site of implantation. Methods for providing bariatric therapy are also provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A medical device, and a system and packaged kit containing the medical device for the treatment of a sinus opening is described. The medical device comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft system having an inflation lumen and an irrigation lumen the proximal and. The shaft system has a proximal shaft section and a distal shaft section. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal shaft section in a position that is proximal to said distal end. The irrigation tip is distal to the balloon on the distal shaft section and has a tip opening and one or more radially facing openings. A method for treating a sinus opening includes inserting a system that includes the medical device, a sinus guide catheter and a sinus guide element into a patient's anatomy, dilating the sinus opening and irrigating a target in the nasal anatomy.

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: The invention has as its object the provision of a medicine capable of reducing a volume of emphysema-suffering pulmonary alveoli or alveolar sacs by means of a respiratory region volume inhibitor containing a coating film formation as a main component and capable of forming a coating film in a respiratory region, characterized by being used in such a way that the coating film-forming component is administered to an emphysema-suffering pulmonary alveolar parenchyma in a human-respiratory region in an amount of 0.004 to 200 g/application, preferably 0.07 to 20 g/application and more preferably 0.5 to 5 g/application on each occasion.

Abstract: Balloon catheter comprises an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the elongated shaft including a biaxially oriented nonporous thermoplastic polymer tubular member having a Shore durometer hardness of less than about 75 D with an inflation lumen defined therein. The balloon catheter also comprises a balloon sealing secured proximate the distal end of the shaft and having an interior in fluid communication with the inflation lumen.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongated shaft which has a multilayered distal tip with a first layer formed of a polyimide first material and a second layer formed of a polymeric second material. In one embodiment the multilayered distal tip is a separate member, distal to the distal end of a proximal portion of the shaft. In another embodiment, the shaft has an outer tubular member, and a multilayered inner tubular member with a distal end which forms the multilayered distal tip of the shaft. In a presently preferred embodiment, the polyimide material is a thermoset polyimide. In one embodiment, the polymeric second material is a polyamide material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide access to the renal pelvis of a kidney to treat renal nerves embedded in tissue surrounding the renal pelvis. Access to the renal pelvis may be via the urinary tract or via minimally invasive incisions through the abdomen and kidney tissue. Treatment is effected by exchanging energy, typically delivering heat or extracting heat through a wall of the renal pelvis, or by delivering active substances.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon support member having a hollow axial lumen and open distal end for allowing passage of a guidewire therethrough, a balloon disposed around the balloon support member, and an annular balloon seal disposed proximate to a distal end of the balloon catheter. The seal defines a central passageway for allowing passage therethrough of a guidewire extending out the distal end of the balloon support member, and is configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal around each of a plurality of guidewires having different outer diameters.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, implantable and insertable medical devices are provided which contain one or more particle-containing regions that comprise silicate particles and carbon particles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Distal access aspiration 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 are described. A distal access aspiration guide catheter having a proximal, medial, and distal possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: A partial-length catheter, or an extendable tube or sleeve member of the catheter, is selectively movable within the prostatic urethra to open a urine drainage passageway through and obstructed portion of the prostatic urethra or to open the external urinary sphincter muscle and thereby discharge urine from the bladder. A control element is manipulated at a position exterior of the urinary canal to selectively move the catheter or the extendable tube or sleeve member, thereby selectively controlling urine discharge.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and method for internally anchoring a catheter in a patient. According to one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter, a tubular fitting coupled to one end of the catheter, and an internal bolster coaxially mounted around the tubular fitting. The tubular fitting has a waist portion, and the internal bolster is secured thereto by a snap-fit. To internally anchor the catheter in a patient, one inserts the end of the catheter to which the fitting is coupled into the patient and then, while the fitting and its coupled end of the catheter are within the patient, inserts the internal bolster over the fitting until it snap-fits into place over the waist portion, thereby internally anchoring the catheter within the patient.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for use with an endoscope may have a flexible shaft extending between a proximal and distal end, with a hub affixed to the proximal end, and a balloon that is longitudinally asymmetrical. A balloon may have a central or cylindrical working portion, flanked by proximal and distal tapering portions, which are in turn flanked by proximal and distal balloon legs, which are affixed to the catheter shaft. In more specific detail, a longitudinally asymmetrical balloon may have proximal and distal tapering portions that have a relatively steep and a relatively shallow tapering angle, respectively. An optional additional feature of such a balloon catheter is that the catheter shaft may have a high pull strength and low longitudinal elongation, by including some type of reinforcement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade within the wall to release the drug to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be coupled to a delivery mechanism having one or more balloons or other expandable devices which are expandable responsive to a condition in the small intestine or other GI lumen to advance the preparation out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method and apparatus to prevent reperfusion injury. In one embodiment, blood flow proximal to a lesion is occluded. An infusion catheter is advanced to a region distal to the lesion and an anti-reperfusion injury drug is delivered. The lesion may then be treated with a dilating device to reintroduce blood flow to the region distal to the lesion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.