Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers.

Abstract: A probe including a housing, a rectal muscle air bag, a rectal tube, an anal muscle air bag, and an anal tube is provided. The rectal muscle air bag mounts to the housing a first distance from a non-insertion end. A rectal tube is connected to the rectal muscle air bag at a first end and to a first pressure sensor at a second end. The anal muscle air bag is mounted to the housing a second distance from the non- insertion end. The anal tube is connected to the anal muscle air bag at a first end and to a second pressure sensor at a second end. The first distance is selected to position the rectal muscle air bag adjacent a rectal muscle, and the second distance is selected to position the anal muscle air bag adjacent an anal muscle when the housing is inserted in the rectum.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter has an outer conduit and a hollow inner conduit disposed in the lumen of the outer conduit. The inner conduit includes a distal part, a proximal part and a variable length sleeve member sealingly attached between the proximal part and distal part. The distal end of the distal part of the inner conduit extends beyond the distal end of the outer conduit. An inflatable balloon is sealingly attached to the distal end of the outer conduit and to the proximal part of the inner conduit. The balloon intussuscepts upon proximal movement of the distal part of the inner conduit. A pulling member is attached to the distal part of the inner conduit for moving the distal part of the inner conduit proximally to longitudinally shorten the sleeve member. A fluid port allows inflating and deflating the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter device includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and catheter walls defining a catheter lumen. An inflatable balloon is located at a distal end of the catheter and is inflated through an inflation valve located on a base. An internal cavity is defined in the base and is in fluid communication with the inflatable balloon. A translucent window is disposed over the internal cavity such that an interior volume of the cavity is externally viewable. Introduction of a colored fluid through the inflation valve to inflate the balloon results in the colored fluid also being present in the internal cavity, thereby providing an externally visual indication of the inflation state of the balloon.

Abstract: Devices and systems for providing retroperfusion and autoretroperfusion therapies to a brain. In certain embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein comprise a flow unit configured to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the arterial blood used for perfusion of the venous system. Methods for delivering a bridge retroperfusion therapy are also disclosed such that, after the onset of a stroke or other adverse cerebral event, the brain cells' window of viability may be extended and other treatments, including pharmaceutical and neuroprotective therapies, may be more effectively utilized.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluid into a body lumen during a medical procedure. A distal end of an apparatus may be introduced into a body lumen, and a valve on the distal end may be opened to deliver fluid through a first lumen into the body lumen, e.g., contrast and/or other diagnostic or therapeutic agents. The valve may be closed, and a procedure may be performed within the body lumen, e.g., using a treatment element carried on the distal end. For example, the treatment element may include a balloon that may be inflated when fluid is delivered through the first lumen with the valve closed. Optionally, a prosthesis, energy source, drug platform, and the like may be carried by the balloon for treating the body lumen. In various embodiments, the valve may be located proximal or distal to the treatment element.

Abstract: An enteral feeding tube provides a conduit for the flow of liquid nutritional material. Most of the enteral feeding tube that is external to the patient is generally horizontal when the device is positioned in a stoma of a user lying in a prostrate position. A housing surrounds the horizontal portion enteral feeding tube, provides a low profile, aids in holding the enteral feeding tube in place, and protects the enteral feeding tube. The bottom surface of the housing comprises a resilient material that contacts the skin of the patient. The enteral feeding tube comprises a balloon that is positioned in the stomach to retain the device in the stomach. An air conduit extends generally vertically from an upper portion of the housing and through the enteral feeding tube to communicate with the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises an inner tube, a medical balloon and an inflation lumen. The medical balloon is disposed about the inner tube and in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A collapsible portion of the inner tube is constructed to collapse inward upon delivery of an inflation fluid to the medical balloon to secure the inner tube to the guidewire.

Abstract: Medical devices for delivering a bioactive agent and methods of use thereof are provided. The device includes a balloon having micro-needles for delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: A device for measuring bladder pressure and/or for measuring intra-abdominal pressure within the body of a living being comprises a pressure measuring unit including a pressure sensor, and a urethral catheter comprising a balloon lumen, which connects a distal balloon for measuring internal pressure thereof to the pressure measuring unit, and a bladder lumen having a distal opening. The bladder lumen is, without detaching connectors, alternately connectable to a proximal urine outlet and separable therefrom, and the pressure sensor of the pressure measuring unit is connected to or is alternately connectable, without detaching connectors, to the bladder lumen.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve housing interacting with an inlet connector assembly. The pliant valve housing has an integrally formed valve stem and one or more ports. The valve stem cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Some embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. The device comprises a capsule sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract. The capsule can include at least one guide tube, one or more tissue penetrating members positioned in the guide tube, a delivery member, an actuating mechanism and a release element. The release element degrades upon exposure to various conditions in the intestine so as to release and actuate the actuating mechanism. 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 valve configured for a lumen of medical device is provided. The valve includes a valve body that may be elastically deformed from a first configuration to a second configuration. The valve body includes a lumen having a closed configuration and an open configuration. The lumen may be actuated from the closed configuration to the open configuration by elastically deforming the valve body from the first configuration to the second configuration. The valve body may include a portion configured to form a seal with an interior surface of a lumen of a medical device.

Abstract: A reperfusion catheter system with an introducer sheath having an inner wall defining a longitudinal opening extending from a proximal portion to a distal end. A balloon catheter has an outer wall and has a longitudinal opening extending from a proximal portion to a distal end. The balloon catheter is disposed through the opening in the introducer sheath, and the balloon catheter has an inflatable balloon at the distal end. A conduit has a first end disposed in fluid communication with the area inside the introducer sheath between the inner wall of the introducer sheath and the outer wall of the balloon catheter. The conduit also has a second end disposed in fluid communication with the inside of the balloon catheter.

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

Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters.

Abstract: A system including a catheter and an expandable member. The catheter includes an independent inflation lumen and an separate independent deflation lumen capable of sequential inflation and deflation of an expandable member in rapid succession, such as less than five seconds.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and method of using the catheter assembly is provided herein. The catheter assembly has a catheter shaft having an elongated body extending about a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion, an outer surface, and at least one lumen extending therethrough the elongated body at least one means for sealing at least a portion of the lumen of the bronchial vessel. At least a portion of the catheter assembly is configured for insertion into at least a portion of a bronchial vessel of a target lung region. The means for sealing is moveable between a collapsed state and an expanded state. At least a portion of the vessel can be sealed by inflating the means for sealing. The catheter assembly can then be used to infuse a dialysate solution into the target lung region.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A deflation indicator system for visually indicating an inflation status of a balloon-type or other inflatable internal bolster of a medical device is disclosed. The indicator system enables an observer to ascertain from an external vantage point whether the internal bolster of the indwelling device is inflated. In one embodiment, the medical device comprises an elongate body defining a lumen, and an inflatable internal bolster for securing a portion of the medical device within the patient. A deflation indicator is also disclosed, including a flexible membrane in fluid communication with the internal bolster. The membrane is included in an external portion of the medical device. The membrane assumes a first concavely-shaped position when the internal bolster is deflated. Correspondingly, the membrane assumes a second convexly-shaped position when the internal bolster is inflated. The positions of the membrane are externally observable to indicate the inflation status of the internal bolster.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter that exhibits the combined features of superior flexibility, softness, radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal region of the shaft includes an inner lubricious polymer layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer layer. The reinforcement layer comprises a braid having one or more metallic members and a plurality of polymer members wherein each polymer member comprises a plurality of monofilaments, preferably formed of LCP. The polymer members of the braid provide improved flexibility and softness in addition to high burst pressure. The metallic member(s) of the braid provide improved radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter may also include a longitudinal member extending along the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a lesion within a body lumen using a catheter including a balloon on its distal end and an abrasive distal tip extending distally beyond the balloon. The distal tip may terminate in a sharpened tip for penetrating occlusive material, e.g., a beveled tip, and includes abrasive material on an outer surface thereof, e.g., abrasive grit, cutting elements, and the like, for abrading occlusive material adjacent the distal tip. The abrasive material may be arranged in a predetermined pattern, e.g., an axial, circumferential, or helical pattern, to facilitate abrading occlusive material. The distal tip may have a substantially uniform diameter or tapered shape along its length.

Abstract: Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles, disposed at a suitable location within the balloon or catheter. The reservoir may be installed within the angioplasty balloon, within a lumen in communication with the angioplasty balloon, either as a loose or packed powder or as a film coating. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers.

Abstract: A Foley type catheter of the type including an elongated flexible tube and an inflation lumen, the distal end of the tube being provided with a membrane that is inflated into a balloon by fluid passage though the lumen, wherein to retain the distal end interiorly of a bladder, and a drainage eye, wherein to enable the catheter to drain urine therefrom. The proximal end of the tube is provided with a fluid control valve and a fluid pump, each hand operated as desired. The pump is in the form of a squeeze bulb and/or aspirator and adapted to deform to supply and/or withdraw fluid into and from the lumen and selectively inflate/deflate the membrane. In one embodiment, the pump is in the shape of a pleated bellows that is axially collapsed and end walls forced together and into a suction cup like retaining engagement, and a coil spring acts to restore the shape.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The valve may be biased to be closed, e.g., by a spring element disposed within the balloon. Optionally, the apparatus also includes an actuator for expanding a helical member within the balloon interior, e.g., either before or after expanding the balloon, such that the helical member and balloon may adopt an expanded helical shape for removing material within a body lumen.

Abstract: A relief valve incorporated within a Luer connector regulates the amount of air pressure applied by a syringe to a balloon at the end of a catheter to prevent bursting of the balloon.

Abstract: A kit for packing and supporting the nasal cavities after surgical procedures performed on the nose comprising two inflatable non-elastomeric balloons (6?, 6?) and inflation means (27) arranged so that, in use, each balloon (6?, 6?) can be located in a nasal cavity and inflated.

Abstract: A combination aspiration/irrigation and illumination device using optical fibers circumferentially disposed around the aspiration conduit for transmitting illuminating light to a cavity to be aspirated. The ends of the optical fibers being formed at an angle relative to the aspiration conduit so as to direct the illuminating light inward to provide intensified illumination ahead of the aspiration conduit.

Abstract: Catheters for occluding, visualizing, irrigating, evacuating, and delivering agents to a treatment area are disclosed. The catheters comprise a catheter body comprising five lumens, first and second occlusion balloons coupled to the catheter body, an optional space-occupying balloon coupled to the catheter body and disposed between the first and second occlusion balloons, and an optional visualization means that enables visualization between the first and second occlusion balloons. Methods for using these catheters are also disclosed. A method comprises inflating the first and second occlusion balloons, inflating the space-occupying balloon, allowing fluid to exit via an evacuation lumen, optionally irrigating or aspirating to facilitate fluid exit via said lumen, and delivering an agent to a treatment area via the agent lumen.

Abstract: An anal probe for use in connection with anal irrigation is provided. The probe comprises a tip part and shaft part, which may be separate from each other or one integral part. The probe is provided with retention means, which together with the tip part and the shaft part define a lumen. The probe is further provided with a pressure-sensitive valve. 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. The transition between the first configuration and the second configuration is controlled by the pressure-sensitive valve. During use, irrigation fluid will be pumped into the lumen and the inlet to the tip channel will be opened.

Abstract: Devices and systems for providing retroperfusion and autoretroperfusion therapies to a brain. In certain embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein comprise a flow unit configured to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the arterial blood used for perfusion of the venous system. Methods for delivering a bridge retroperfusion therapy are also disclosed such that, after the onset of a stroke or other adverse cerebral event, the brain cells' window of viability may be extended and other treatments, including pharmaceutical and neuroprotective therapies, may be more effectively utilized.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus for a balloon dilation catheter having a shaft with a dilation balloon attached to the distal end of the shaft and an inflation/deflation lumen for inflating and deflating the balloon includes a pressure relief port formed through the wall of the inflation/deflation lumen with a pressure relief member secured across the pressure relief port to form a fluid tight seal such that the fluid tight seal formed by the pressure relief member fails at a predetermined pressure to release pressure from the inflation/deflation lumen through the pressure relief port.

Abstract: Embodiments of passive vent valve devices are disclosed. One of the novel aspects of the invention is its ability to transform from a packaging configuration to a use configuration. The packaging configuration allows sterilization gases to penetrate into the device through standard valve openings as well as through vented mesh openings. Passage of gas into the device, in turn, provides a means of sterilizing all surface areas in the device. Alternatively, when the valve is placed in a use configuration, the passage of gas through the vented mesh is inhibited providing a sealed environment that functions as a valve. The invention is useful in manufacturing sterile medical devices by allowing all surfaces to communicate with the sterilizing agent when the valve is in a packaging configuration or when it is in a use configuration.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: A vascular lock comprising a guide tube (1) and valve means (4) on the proximal end, these permitting the insertion of a catheter or instrument through the access lumen of the guide tube and into a vessel, is provided, in the region of the distal end of the guide tube, with balloon occlusion means (12) that comprise an occlusion balloon (13) which can be connected to a pressure medium source via a separate lumen in the guide tube such that said lumen can be alternately inflated and deflated. The vascular lock can be used for the non-drug blood pressure and perfusion modulation, e.g., by being introduced into the infrarenal aorta and by blocking or clearing the aorta as a function of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a dual lumen proximal tubular portion including a guidewire lumen and an inflation lumen and a single lumen distal tubular portion that receives the guidewire and can additionally receive fluid. The catheter assembly includes flow passages in allow fluid to flow from the interior of the catheter to the exterior.

Abstract: The medical device for distributing fluid comprises: a syringe (12) for distributing a contrast product; an actuator (28) which is suitable for acting on the syringe in order to ensure that the contrast product flows at a pressure greater than 30 bar; an injection outlet (14) for injecting the contrast product towards the body of a patient, and being connected to the syringe (12); it further comprises: an inflation outlet (16) for a balloon; a distributor (32) which is connected at the outlet of the syringe (12) and which is suitable for selectively connecting the same syringe (12) to the injection outlet (14) or to the inflation outlet (16); and means (20; 22) for controlling the distributor (32) between a first state which connects the syringe to the injection outlet (14) and a second state which connects the syringe (12) to the inflation outlet (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for the introduction of a drainage tube into a patient's chest cavity, comprising a housing having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis; a scalpel operable in a protruding position between a closed position in which the cutting portions are adjacent one another and adapted to make an incision in the dermis of the patient, and an open position in which the cutting portions are spaced from one another forming a scalpel passage along the longitudinal axis between the cutting portions. The apparatus further comprising a trocar comprising first and second trocar portions, each extending along the length of the trocar; the trocar being operable between an closed position wherein the first and second trocar portions are substantially adjacent one another, and a closed position in which the first and second trocar portions are spaced from one another and adapted for the introduction of the drainage tube therethrough.

Abstract: A catheter device and related method for diagnostic vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment of a subject's vasculature having a lesion. The device including: a guide catheter comprising a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion; a guide wire disposed in the guide catheter shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the guide wire transfers beyond the lesion during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment; and one or more expandable component disposed at the distal portion of the guide wire. The expandable component(s) may be positioned distally beyond the lesion during at least a portion of the vascular treatment and/or therapeutic vascular treatment.

Abstract: A balloon assembly includes an elongated balloon, one or more cutting elements engaged to the balloon, and one or more therapeutic agents disposed within an opening defined by the cutting blades.

Abstract: A dual balloon catheter assembly and method of use thereof are provided. The dual balloon catheter assembly may be used in a cryoplasty treatment that is provided in combination with eluting an antiproliferative to reduce and/or eliminate vessel fractures, thereby inhibiting proliferative response after angioplasty.

Abstract: An implantable device for releasing one or more substances into a body cavity such as a urinary bladder, is provided. The device includes an inner balloon located within an outer balloon so as to define a lumen between the outer and inner balloons. The interior of the inner balloon is in fluid contact with an exterior surface of the device, for example via one or more conduits passing through the lumen between the two balloons. A first valve is used for filling the lumen; and a second valve is used for filling the inner balloon. The device is delivered to the body using a delivery catheter. The inner balloon is filled with the substance or substances to be released into the body cavity. The outer balloon is filled with a substance that is chosen to impart a desired specific gravity to the device. The substances to be released may be contained in particles coated with a soluble coating. The particles may be in suspension or embedded in a matrix.

Abstract: A system for treating uterine disorders includes a catheter with a cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, and a degassing system in communication with the distal end of the cannula. The degassing system has a fluid insertion path having a first check valve and a gas filter, and a fluid extraction path that is separate from the fluid insertion path and includes a second check valve. The catheter may include an inflatable balloon secured to the distal end of the cannula with the degassing system in communication with the inflatable balloon. In one embodiment, a heating assembly is disposed inside the inflatable balloon for heating the fluid introduced into the balloon.

Abstract: Inflatable medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The inflatable medical devices can be medical balloons. The balloons can be configured to have a through-lumen or no through-lumen and a wide variety of geometries. The device can have a high-strength, non-compliant, fiber-reinforced, multi-layered wall. The inflatable medical device can be used for angioplasty, kyphoplasty, percutaneous aortic valve replacement, or other procedures described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, small 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 sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the femoral arteries and the iliac arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. In an exemplary application, the sheath includes a supported proximal end, a supported distal end, and a collapsible center section.

Abstract: A method of forming and enlarging a percutaneous penetration is provided. The method includes the step of providing a radially expandable dilation assembly having a needle assembly removably inserted in a axial lumen thereof. The radially expandable dilation assembly includes a radially expandable sleeve body defining a lumen and an introducer seal disposed across the lumen and defining an opening formed therein. The method further includes the steps of penetrating the radially expandable dilation assembly and needle assembly through tissue to a target surgical site, withdrawing the needle assembly from the radially expandable dilation assembly, and inserting an expansion assembly through the opening formed in the introducer seal and into the axial lumen of the radially expandable dilation assembly.

Abstract: Balloon catheters, and medical devices including balloon catheters, are provided that comprise a balloon assembly disposed at the distal end of an elongated tubular member. The balloon, when in the inflated state, includes a body fluid lumen that extends longitudinally through the balloon and is open at the proximal end of the balloon and the distal end of the balloon. In some aspects, the outer surface of the balloon is contiguous from the proximal end to the distal end of the balloon when the balloon is inflated. In other aspects, an endoluminal prosthesis, for example, a stent that can optionally include a prosthetic valve, surrounds the balloon assembly and is adjacent to the outer surface of the balloon. In still other aspects, endoluminal prosthesis implant devices are provided that are suitable for implanting an endoluminal prosthesis in a body vessel containing a flowing fluid such as a vessel in the heart, e.g., the left or right ventricle inflow or outflow tracks.

Abstract: A blood flow blocking catheter, comprises: a puncture needle component having a puncture needle capable of puncturing a vein; and a sheath that covers said puncture needle component, and a balloon catheter that can be inserted into and removed from a lumen of the puncture needle component and has at its distal end a balloon that can block off blood flow. With the present invention, a balloon catheter can be easily inserted into a vein, and the balloon inflated, without making a large incision in the vein. Therefore, the temporary obstruction of blood flow with a balloon catheter can be carried out more easily, and this simplifies the surgery and makes it less invasive. Thus, it is possible to obtain a blood flow blocking catheter with which vascular anastomosis can be performed more safely and in less time.