Abstract: A robotic instrument driver for elongate members includes a first carriage positionable on a bed and beside a patient access site for manipulating a first elongate member, and a second carriage positionable proximate the bed, the second carriage configured to articulate the first elongate member, wherein the second carriage is movable independent from the first carriage.

Abstract: An implant device can include a frame and a cover member for delivery to and occlusion of a target body vessel. The frame can include proximal and distal members, coupled by a link member structure, and can expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. In the collapsed configuration, a first plane passes through the proximal member and a second plane passes through the distal member, and the link member extends substantially parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the device. In moving to the expanded configuration, the first and second planes each move angularly, relative to the longitudinal axis, from the collapsed configuration by between about 10 degrees and about 170 degrees, and the link member foreshortens along the longitudinal axis to bias the proximal member toward the distal member.

Abstract: Described here are expandable devices and methods for using them. The devices generally comprise a hub and a plurality of legs extending therefrom. In some variations, the hub may comprise one or more domed portions, tapered portions, or the like. The legs may comprise one or more straight segments, one or more curved segments, or a combination thereof. The devices may comprise one or more polymers, and/or one or more portions of the device may be configured to biodegrade. In other variations, the device may be configured to release one or more drugs therefrom. Additionally, in some variations the devices may be configured to be self-expandable from a low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device comprises an elongate shaft 104 and an expandable clot retrieval element 2101 on the shaft, the clot retrieval element comprising a framework formed from a substrate material such as Nitinol and having a plurality of struts 2105 and crowns 2102, at least some of the struts 2105 comprises at least one widened portion 2104 of the substrate material to provide enhanced radiopacity. The framework is coated with a radiopaque material such as gold. The device is rendered radiopaque with reduced damping effects.

Abstract: A shape sensing enabled instrument includes a flexible longitudinal body (300) including a plurality of longitudinal members (310) held together to form a lumen (205). The longitudinal members have frictional contact therebetween and are configured to engage neighboring longitudinal members during bending, twisting or external pressure to maintain dimensions of the lumen. A shape sensing optical fiber (302) is disposed within the lumen.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a device is configured to be compressed and inserted into the distal end of an endoscope. The delivery device can be configured to deliver the delivery catheter to the site of one or more fistulas in the wall of a body cavity or lumen within a patient. The delivery catheter is configured to deliver the device to the site of the one or more fistulas. The device is configured to expand at the site of the one or more fistulas and substantially seal the fistula in one or more directions. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is coated with and/or constructed of biocompatible material. In some configurations, the device is configured to be implanted for an extended period of time or even permanently. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the device is constructed of biodegradable, dissolvable and/or bioabsorbable material.

Abstract: Inventive subject matter disclosed herein includes a device that includes a hollow tube having a tapered distal end, sized to fit within a blood vessel. The device also includes a tether positioned within the hollow tube and an actuator effective for moving the tether forward and backward with respect to the hollow tube. The device also includes a compliant mesh balloon having proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is attached to the hollow tube and the distal end is affixed to the tether wherein forward movement of the tether by movement of the actuator elongates the mesh balloon for travel through the blood vessel.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the present disclosure provides a delivery apparatus for delivering a medical device. The delivery apparatus includes an elongated component with an engagement portion and a disengagement portion. Rotating the elongated component in a first rotational direction moves the travelling component along the engagement portion in a first axial direction. When the travelling component is located within the disengagement portion, continued rotation of the elongated component in the first rotational direction does not cause further movement of the travelling component in the first axial direction. A biasing member is located proximate the disengagement portion and urges the travelling component to reengage the engagement potion. The delivery apparatus can reduce or prevent damage to the delivery apparatus, or a patient with whom the delivery apparatus is used, by reducing or eliminating torque transfer from the travelling component to an end of the elongated component.

Abstract: Catheter-delivered endovascular medical devices are described. The devices may include a pull wire connected to a proximal body and a distal body, which may be formed of a basket or other framework that has a plurality of cells. The distal body may move/articulate proximally relative to and toward the proximal body. Methods of using and making the devices are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing material within a body lumen are disclosed. The apparatus includes a core wire extending from a proximal end to a distal tip, an actuator member defining a lumen for receiving at least a portion of the core wire, and a distal basket having a distal enclosed end fixed relative to the core wire and one or more elements extending from a proximal open end to a collar slidable on the core wire. The collar is slidable on the core wire within an interior of the distal basket such that, when the collar contacts the actuator member, the collar applies an inward force to direct the proximal open end of the distal basket radially inwardly.

Abstract: An assembly and method for performing the occlusion of the left atrial appendage including a delivery instrument being positioned in communicating relation with the interior of the left atrial appendage and disposing a distal end portion of the delivery instrument in covering relation to the entrance thereof. Occlusion material is movably connected to the delivery instrument and includes at least one elongated single strand of flexible material. A length of the single strand is progressively fed through the delivery instrument into the interior of the left atrial appendage and the flexibility thereof is sufficient to progressively form an arbitrarily intermingled array of occlusion material therein. The dimension and configuration of the formed arbitrarily intermingled array is sufficient to fill a predetermined portion of the interior of the left atrial appendage and thereby conform to the configuration thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an occluder, comprising a meshed occlusion body provided with a cavity, and a proximal hub, as well as a locking member and a stopping member both of which are located in the cavity. The distal end of the locking member is connected to the distal end of the occlusion body. The stopping member is disposed at the proximal end of the locking member. The proximal occluder head is provided with a locking hole in communication with the cavity. An occlusion device comprises the occluder, a hollow delivery' mechanism and a traction member. The distal end of the traction member is detachably connected to the proximal end of the locking member of the occluder after extending through the distal end of the delivery' mechanism. The occlusion device has a simple locking structure, and simplifies the manufacturing process and the locking operation.

Abstract: A wireless electrostimulation system can comprise a wireless energy transmission source, and an implantable cardiovascular wireless electrostimulation node. A receiver circuit comprising an inductive antenna can be configured to capture magnetic energy to generate a tissue electrostimulation. A tissue electrostimulation circuit, coupled to the receiver circuit, can be configured to deliver energy captured by the receiver circuit as a tissue electrostimulation waveform. Delivery of tissue electrostimulation can be initiated by a therapy control unit.

Abstract: A filter device has a catheter having a lumen, a shaft extended in the longitudinal direction from the lumen, and a filter capturing an embolus. The filter is connected to the shaft through a slide ring at the distal end thereof. The shaft is inserted into and passed through the ring. The ring is rotatable with respect to the shaft and slidable in the longitudinal direction. When the filter is expanded in a blood vessel, the ring slides on the shaft. The filter is connected to the shaft through another ring on the peripheral edge of an opening. The shaft is inserted into and passed through the ring. The ring is rotatable with respect to the shaft. The ring is held between a pair of stoppers fixed onto the shaft. Therefore, the movement of the ring in the longitudinal direction with respect to the shaft is prevented.

Abstract: A vascular plug comprises a superstructure expandable from a collapsed percutaneous insertion configuration to an expanded deployment or use configuration. The superstructure is comprised of both primary and secondary three-dimensional shapes allowing for the occlusion of a wide range of vessel sizes from small to large through a disproportionately small delivery catheter. The plug includes a shape memory element for the generation of radial force and the creation of the larger secondary three-dimensional twisting or helical superstructure as is needed for target vessel occlusion.

Abstract: An occlusion device for occluding a body vessel and methods of using the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device (9501) for removing clot from a blood vessel comprises an inner elongate body (9503) and an outer elongate body (9504) at least partially overlying the inner elongate body (9503). The device also comprises an elongate member or shaft (9502) having a proximal end which extends exterior of a patient so that a user can retrieve the stent-basket device and captured clot by retracting the shaft (9502). The outer elongate body (9504) and the inner elongate body (9503) are connected to the distal end of the shaft (9502) and are expandable relative to the shaft (9502) from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The outer elongate body (9504) is expandable relative to the inner elongate body (9503) to a radial extent which is greater than the radial extent of the inner body (9503) in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A blood filter delivery system for delivering a filter into a vein from either a femoral or jugular access. The preferred system includes an introducer and a push-rod with a spline member disposed along the push-rod and a pusher member disposed on a distal end. The spline member has a main body, first and second boss portions spaced apart along the longitudinal axis to provide a gap for retaining anchor members of the filter during delivery via the introducer. In an alternative embodiment, a preferred filter includes first and second filter structures diverging in opposite directions. A link is connected to portions of each of the first and second filter structures so that each filter structure can be independently collapsed into a generally cylindrical shape.

Abstract: An embolectomy device includes a clot engaging structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming an open cell structure having an inner lumen, wherein the clot engaging structure is biased to expand or otherwise expandable from a radially constrained configuration to a radially expanded configuration when released from a delivery catheter into a blood vessel; and a support structure positioned within the inner lumen of the clot engaging structure, the support structure comprising a plurality of connectors connected to respective struts of the clot engaging structure, wherein the support structure connectors are biased to move or otherwise movable from a radially constrained configuration to a radially expanded configuration to thereby cause or otherwise assist and/or facilitate and maintain expansion of the open cell clot engaging structure.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device (9501) for removing clot from a blood vessel comprises an inner elongate body (9503) and an outer elongate body (9504) at least partially overlying the inner elongate body (9503). The device also comprises an elongate member or shaft (9502) having a proximal end which extends exterior of a patient so that a user can retrieve the stent-basket device and captured clot by retracting the shaft (9502). The outer elongate body (9504) and the inner elongate body (9503) are connected to the distal end of the shaft (9502) and are expandable relative to the shaft (9502) from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The outer elongate body (9504) is expandable relative to the inner elongate body (9503) to a radial extent which is greater than the radial extent of the inner body (9503) in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal device, comprising an elongated catheter, an interventional device operably coupled to the proximal end of the catheter, a filter operably coupled to the distal end of the catheter, the filter movable between a collapsed and deployed position 218, and an actuator wire for deploying the collapsing the filter. The filter including a filter chassis comprising a movable collar a fixed collar and a tubular braided scaffolding coupled between the movable collar and the fixed collar. Each wire of the braided scaffolding moving independently with respect to the other wires between the movable collar and the fixed collar as the filter moves between the collapsed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a clot retrieval element at the distal end of the elongate shaft. A proximal end of the elongate shaft of the clot retrieval device is adapted for retraction of a first catheter over the clot retrieval device elongate shaft. A second catheter is advanced to or adjacent to the distal end of the clot retrieval device shaft to enable enhanced aspiration adjacent to the clot retrieval element.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device and a method for increasing or restoring a flow in a body lumen are provided. The device and the method may treat conditions like a stroke by removing a clot from a blood vessel and/or reopen the vessel. The device may have a plurality of engaging elements, wires that can link at least two engaging elements, a central wire, and proximal control element. The positions of the engaging elements and the distance there between can be adjusted to ensure the engagement of the clot or occlusion.

Abstract: This patent application is for the design of a vascular occluding bridged self-expanding metal stent (VOBSEMS) for fixed and immobile selective vascular occlusion and thrombosis of arteries and veins. Current vascular self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are designed to open atherosclerotic arteries such as coronary arteries. Once deployed the SEMS remains immobile and permanent across the stenosis of the artery. In contradistinction to the SEMS which opens occluded stenotic arteries, the VOBSEMS is used to occlude and clot arterial and venous blood flow. The VOBSEMS clots blood vessels with unique metal bridges located inside the stent. The unique metal bridges are made of platinol a memory metal alloy identical to the stent, but imbedded with dacron fibers to promote clotting. The bridges are positioned inside of the VOBSEMS and secured to the stent by bridge end loop design. The bridges are staggered and rotated inside the stent with a spiral staircase appearance.

Abstract: A platform of devices for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal is provided. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter(s) and the system includes a proximal hub, and a distal basket comprised of a plurality of cells. A number of different baskets designs are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing such baskets out of a single tube of a memory metal without the need for any welding or soldering, and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for forming an expandable tubular body having a plurality of braided filaments including a first filament including platinum or platinum alloy and a second filament including cobalt-chromium alloy. The methods include applying a first phosphorylcholine material directly on the platinum or platinum alloy of the first filament and applying a silane material on the second filament followed by a second phosphorylcholine material on the silane material on the second filament. The first and second phosphorylcholine materials each define a thickness of less than 100 nanometers.

Abstract: Catheter-delivered endovascular medical devices are described. The devices may include a pull wire connected to a proximal body and a distal body, which may be formed of a basket or other framework that has a plurality of cells. The distal body may move/articulate proximally relative to and toward the proximal body. Methods of using and making the devices are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for implanting a heart valve and removing debris from a blood vessel, composed of: a collapsible and deployable filter for blocking debris in a blood vessel in a patient's body; a circular cuff coupled to a small diameter end of the filter and defining a through passage extending from the small diameter end, the cuff having, at a first end, an internal diameter coaxial with a circular opening at the small diameter end of the filter; a first sheath for housing the filter in its collapsed state and having a length sufficient to extend out of a patient's body when the filter is at a desired location in a blood vessel; and an assembly for implanting a prosthetic valve in the patient's heart, said assembly comprising a second sheath and a catheter housed in the second sheath and carrying an implantable valve.

Abstract: An endoscopic stone-extraction device is provided comprising a support filament comprising an end portion, a sheath comprising a lumen, wherein the support filament is disposed in the lumen such that the sheath is slideable with respect to the support filament, and a handle comprising an actuator. Movement of the actuator in a first direction retracts the sheath and causes a shape to expand outside the lumen. Movement of the actuator in a second direction advances the sheath and causes the shape to at least partially collapse inside the lumen. Other embodiments are provided, and any of these embodiments can be used alone or in combination.

Abstract: A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge. Devices and methods are described herein which are directed to the treatment of a patient's heart having, or one which is susceptible to heart failure, to improve diastolic function.

Abstract: A clot extraction catheter comprises a tubular mesh, a rim attached to the tubular mesh proximal end, control wires, an inner sheath, a clot macerator advancable from the inner sheath, and an outer sheath advancable over the guidewire channel and inner sheath. To extract a clot, the catheter is advanced through the clot. The inner sheath is retracted, allowing the rim and the tubular mesh to expand as well as exposing the clot macerator. The tubular mesh is retracted to capture the clot, constrained proximally by the distal portion of the inner sheath, and retracted with the inner sheath into the outer sheath. The clot macerator breaks apart large clots as the clot is captured, and the tubular mesh is retracted over the clot macerator. The control wires may be manipulated to control the angle of the rim, thereby facilitating clot capture and retraction of the tubular mesh.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a spiral filter and delivery apparatus where the filter comprises a support supporting a body and defining a frame. The frame comprises a proximal end extending to a distal end. A filtering member may be attached to the proximal end and extend distally to the distal end. The filtering member and the frame may move between a delivery state and a deployed state. In the deployed state, the frame extends helically within the circumference of the body vessel and has a filtering lumen formed therethrough. The filtering member may be disposed within the filtering lumen in a spiral for filtering within the intended body vessel.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for passing Chronic Total Occlusion (CTO) from subintimal location and re-entry into a true-lumen of the patient using transient fenestration approach. The transient fenestration is induced by balloon dilatation within the CTO, and a guidewire quickly trails into a true lumen.

Abstract: An embolus filter introducer system has a symmetric introducer sheath with a filter inside. The introducer sheath can be attached at either end to a deployment actuator. The deployment actuator can thereby be used to push the filter out of the introducer sheath. Since the sheath can be oriented in a selectable direction, so can the filter, allowing the sheath to be introduced via a jugular or femoral approach to the vena cava.

Abstract: A system for removal of blood or thrombus includes an aspiration catheter having an elongate shaft including an aspiration lumen having proximal end configured to couple to a vacuum source, and a distal end having an orifice, an elongate member configured for placement through the aspiration lumen and having a distal portion including a disruption element configured to disrupt thrombus within the aspiration lumen, and a monitoring device configured for removable connection in between the aspiration catheter and the vacuum source, and including a housing, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the housing, a measurement device coupled to the pressure sensor and configured for measuring deviations in fluid pressure, and a communication device coupled to the measurement device and configured to generate an alert signal when a deviation in fluid pressure measured by the measurement device exceeds a pre-set threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a double cone filter and a delivery apparatus for deploying the filter within the body. The filter may have superior and inferior rings connected to each other by a plurality of connectors. The rings may have a first degradation rate, and the connectors may have a second degradation rate. The second degradation rate may be faster than the first degradation rate, such that the connectors degrade faster than the rings. In this way, the filter has a filtering state when the connectors are present. After the connectors degrade or partially degrade, the rings may relax against the vessel wall in an open state. After a sufficient length of time, the rings also degrade such that the filter is completely removed from the body.

Abstract: A system of devices for treating an artery includes an arterial access sheath adapted to introduce an interventional catheter into an artery and an elongated dilator positionable within the internal lumen of the sheath body. The system also includes a catheter formed of an elongated catheter body sized and shaped to be introduced via a carotid artery access site into a common carotid artery through the internal lumen of the arterial access sheath. The catheter has an overall length and a distal most section length such that the distal most section can be positioned in an intracranial artery and at least a portion of the proximal most section is positioned in the common carotid artery during use.

Abstract: A stent may be actuatable between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration. A stent may include one or more interwoven filaments each including a cross-sectional profile having at least one flattened portion. A flattened portion of a first filament portion of the one or more filaments may be positioned in contact with a flattened portion of a second filament portion of the one or more filaments.

Abstract: Catheter-delivered endovascular medical devices are described. The devices may include a pull wire detachably connected to a distal body. The distal body may be formed of a distal body outer body comprising a basket comprised of a plurality of cells defined by a plurality of basket strips and a distal body inner body located in the interior of the distal body outer body and comprising a plurality of distal braided mesh openings formed by a plurality of woven linear strands. The distal braided mesh openings may be smaller than the cells when the device is in the relaxed state. Methods of using and making the devices are also described.

Abstract: A method of treating a thrombus is provided wherein a device is advanced to the vicinity of the thrombus, a thrombolytic agent is applied to the thrombus, and an expandable basket of the device is expanded to capture at least a portion of the thrombus within the expandable basket. The device includes a catheter having a distal portion, a lumen and a plurality of openings on the outer surface of the catheter, through which the thrombolytic agent is supplied. The device further includes a sheath and may include a collar which assists in expanding the expandable basket as the sheath is moved relative to the catheter.

Abstract: An implantable vascular filter includes an elongate support element, a first flexible filtering element, a first coupling element at or proximate a first end of the support element for coupling to a retrieval device, and a second coupling element at or proximate a second end of the support element for coupling to a retrieval device. The first flexible filtering element has a first end attached to the support element and a second end movable with respect to the support element and is able to be configured into any of a radially expanded filtering configuration, a first collapsed configuration, and a second collapsed configuration. The first filtering element is biased into the filtering configuration when in a deployed condition, and is collapsible from the filtering configuration into either of the first collapsed configuration or the second collapsed configuration.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for the removal of anatomical occlusions, and an occlusion removal device comprising a first body adapted to be mounted to a delivery wire and releasably engaged to the delivery wire, wherein while engaged the first body remains fixed on the delivery wire and upon release moves axially along the delivery wire, and a second body adapted to be mounted to the delivery wire. A first proximal body may be oriented proximally to a second distal body. The proximal body and the distal body may be adapted to expand upon exiting a delivery catheter. The proximal body may be releasably engaged by a mechanically breakable connection or an electrolytically or heat disconnectable connection, the electrolytically disconnectable connection being broken upon an application of electric current to the electrolytically disconnectable connection.

Abstract: A vascular device having a plurality of struts having a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion of the struts are retained in a converged position. The struts diverge radially outwardly. A plurality of vessel penetrating members extend from the proximal portion of the struts for engaging the internal wall of the vessel, wherein release of the retention of the distal portions of the struts causes the distal portions to move outwardly away from the longitudinal axis and the proximal portions of the struts to move inwardly toward the longitudinal axis such that the vessel engaging members pull the internal wall of the vessel radially inwardly.

Abstract: A method of implanting a vessel filter by a femoral approach comprising the steps of providing a sheath with a pusher and the vessel filter positioned therein and providing a sheath centering structure movable within the sheath. The centering structure has a distal portion expandable from a collapsed position within the sheath to an expanded position outside the sheath. The steps further include inserting the sheath into the vessel, moving the centering structure with respect to the sheath to enable the centering structure to move from the collapsed position to the expanded position to move a distal tip of the sheath away from a vessel wall and to a more centered position, and subsequently exposing the vessel filter from the sheath to enable the filter to move from a collapsed position to an expanded position. An implantation system is also provided.

Abstract: A method of reducing the risk of embolization of peripheral blood vessels by providing a medical device having an expandable member having a drug coating layer which has a crystalline morphological form including a plurality of crystal particles of a water-insoluble drug regularly arranged and uniformly sized on the surface of the medical device, inserting the medical device in peripheral blood vessels, expanding the expandable member, pressing the drug coating layer to a blood vessel wall such that at least part of the plurality of crystal particles are transferred to the blood vessel wall, and deflating the expandable member such that the generation of microparticulates having a size that causes embolization of peripheral blood vessels is suppressed.

Abstract: There is provided herein, a method of attaching a mesh to a loop member, which includes covering a wire with a layer, manipulating the wire along with the layer to form the loop member, wherein the loop member has a shape, placing the mesh over the loop member, wherein portions of the mesh extend beyond a circumference of the loop member, transferring heat to the layer to cause it to partially melt and become tacky, allowing the mesh to fuse with the tacky layer and form a secure bond on cooling, and trimming portions of the mesh extending beyond the circumference of the loop member. A retrieval device formed by the method includes the loop member and attached mesh positioned and longitudinally movable within a tubular sheath. The loop member and mesh are deployed to capture a target object and partially retracted for removal of the object.

Abstract: Devices, methods and compositions for treating cardiovascular disorders are configured for sustained-release of leptin antagonist into a blood vessel in order to downregulate an expression or activity of leptin in a cardiovascular tissue that is affected by a disorder.