Abstract: A closure device for closing an opening in tissue that includes a needle actuation handle that cooperates with a housing. A hollow needle is selectively movable by the needle actuation handle, the needle including a slot extending proximally from a distal end of the needle. A suture anchor is positioned within and selectively releasable from the slot and coupled to a suture. A portion of the suture anchor extends proximally along an outer surface of the needle as the needle is advanced through tissue adjacent the opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches methods of controlling the release rate of agents from a polymeric matrix. The methods relate to the application of pressure, and optionally, in combination with heat, to a polymeric coating.

Abstract: A system for providing a continuous passage through a delivery catheter comprising a handle that defines an internal chamber. A first tube having a proximal end and a distal end and a first bore, the first tube being fixedly mounted within the handle, wherein the first bore at the distal end of the first tube is shaped to define a first inverse conical surface. A second tube having a proximal end and a distal end and a second bore, the second tube being slidably mounted within the handle, wherein the second bore is in axial alignment with the first bore. A third tube having a proximal end and a distal end and a third bore.

Abstract: A teaching aid has visual indicia thereon simulating the circulatory system of an organism. The teaching aid includes (i) a template having visual indicia thereon simulating the circulatory system of an organism; and (ii) a plurality of connectors for connecting a medical device to the template. The template comprises (a) a base, and (b) visual indicia on the base, simulating the circulatory system of an organism.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a first lumen for receiving a guidewire and having an exit opening at a distal tip of the catheter. A second lumen, adjacent the first lumen and separated from the first lumen by a common wall, the second lumen configured for receiving contrast fluid, wherein perforations are formed in the common wall; a guidewire in the first lumen the guidewire being configured to be capable of advancement distally to extend out of the exit opening, the guidewire having two conditions: a first condition in which the guidewire is advanced distally to block the perforations whereby fluid may not flow from the second lumen to the first lumen; a second condition in which the guidewire is withdrawn proximally to unblock the perforations whereby fluid may flow from the second lumen into the first lumen and thence out of the exit opening.

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

Abstract: A drug-delivery system is provided including at least 100 ?g of everolimus and clobetasol, such that the ratio of everolimus to clobetasol is at least 10:1 (w/w) or the amount of everolimus by weight is at least 10 times more than clobetasol. The system can be a stent. Also provided a method of treating restenosis or vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel, the method includes locally administering to a patient a first drug selected from a group consisting of rapamycin (sirolimus), Biolimus A9, deforolimus, AP23572, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, pimecrolimus, zotarolimus (ABT-578), 40-O-(2-hydroxy)ethylrapamycin (everolimus), 40-O-(3-hydroxy)propylrapamycin, 40-O-[2-(2-hydroxy)ethoxy]ethylrapamycin, 40-O-tetrazolylrapamycin and 40-epi-(N1-tetrazolyl)rapamycin, and locally administering to a patient a second drug consisting of clobetasol, wherein the minimum amount of the first drug that is locally administered is 100 ?g, and wherein the ratio of the first drug to the second drug is, for example, 10:1 to 100:1 (w/w).

Abstract: A radiopaque nitinol stent for implantation in a body lumen is disclosed. The stent is made from a superelastic alloy such as nickel-titanium or nitinol, and includes a ternary element including tungsten. The added tungsten in specified amounts improve the radiopacity of the nitinol stent comparable to that of a stainless steel stent of the same strut pattern coated with a thin layer of gold. Furthermore, the nitinol stent has improved radiopacity yet retains its superelastic and shape memory behavior and further maintains a thin strut/wall thickness for high flexibility.

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: A medical device such as, for example, an implantable expandable stent is constructed of a ternary alloy of molybdenum, rhenium, and a third metal. In a preferred embodiment, the third metal is a refractory metal selected to improve the ductility of the alloy. The alloy may further be advantageously constructed to have a crystal structure selected from HCP, BCC, FCC, and tetragonal to further optimize the physical characteristics of the medical device.