Abstract: A method of accelerated aging of bioresorbable polymer scaffolds including exposing the scaffold to water is disclosed. The scaffold is exposed to water at a controlled temperature for a selected aging time. The functional outputs, such as radial strength, expandability, and % recoil obtained from aged scaffolds predict those of real-time aging of the scaffold. The accelerated aging factor, which is the required shelf life divided by the aging time, is significantly higher for poly(L-lactide) scaffolds tested than thermal aging.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer stent crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The stent is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes heating the stent to a temperature below the polymer's glass transition temperature to improve stent retention without adversely affecting the mechanical characteristics of the stent when later deployed to support a body lumen. A variable diameter sheath with a central portion that prevents expansion of the stent when the balloon is pressurized and larger diameter ends is disposed over the crimped stent-balloon assembly. The balloon is pressurized and the larger diameter ends of the sheath allow the balloon beyond the ends of the stent to expand. The balloon is then depressurized.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more links. A Y-shaped member comprised of a link and a U-shaped member has relief dimples formed in the curved portion of a valley to reduce localized stress and thereby reduce fatigue failure that can lead to link structure failure.

Abstract: A handle for delivering, from a distal end of a catheter, a stent positioned within a sheath. The handle comprises an upper rack fixed to the handle and an upper distal block moveable along the upper rack and defining a pawl configured to permit only proximal movement in relation to the upper rack, further including an upper proximal block moveable along the upper rack and defining a pawl configured to permit only proximal movement in relation to the upper rack. The handle includes a lower rack configured to slide proximally and, alternatingly, distally in relation to the handle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating clinical decisions during a catheterization procedure based at least in part on image data captured during the catheterization procedure, are disclosed. More particularly, embodiments include analyzing the image data and transmitting decision support data representative of past catheterization procedures having a similarity to the current catheterization procedure. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Catheter comprising an inner tubular member defining a fluid lumen and inflation lumen therein. An exterior surface of the inner tubular member defines a fluid flow port in fluid communication with the fluid lumen and located along a region of the inner tubular member. Catheter further includes an outer member having a distal section movable relative to the inner tubular member and having an interior surface. A piston balloon is coupled to the inner tubular member distal to the fluid flow port and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid flow port. Fluid introduced through the inflation lumen inflates the piston balloon to seal against the interior surface and fluid introduced through the fluid flow port and into the pressure chamber applies a force to urge at least the distal section of the outer member in a proximal direction.

Abstract: A jointed system for delivering a medical device to a target location within a human anatomy, comprising: a first segment that is a hollow cylinder, wherein a first flange and a second flange are attached to the distal end and extend distally away from the first segment; a second segment that is a hollow cylinder and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a third flange and a fourth flange are attached to the proximal end and extend proximally away from the second segment; a connector element having four cylindrical lugs extending radially away from a central point, wherein each lug passes, respectively, through a circular hole, and further wherein the connector element defines at least two separate openings extending in a direction from the distal end of the first segment to the proximal end of the second segment.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: A medical device includes a balloon expanded scaffold crimped to a catheter having a balloon. The scaffold has a network of rings formed by struts connected at crowns and links connecting adjacent rings. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes using protective polymer sheaths or sheets during crimping, and adjusting the sheaths or sheets during the crimping to avoid or minimize interference between the polymer material and scaffold struts as the scaffold is reduced in size.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for safely delivering and deploying an intravascular device. An apparatus for controlling an intravascular device may include a body having rotating assembly disposed through the body. The rotating assembly may be configured to hold a proximal end of an elongate mandrel. The rotating assembly may be rotationally connected to the body by a one-way bearing.

Abstract: A method for improving the function of a valve in the heart of a patient, comprising attaching, to a leaflet of the valve, an element that is responsive to a magnetic field; positioning, outside of the heart of the patient, a coil connected to a source of electric energy; activating the source of electric energy to provide an oscillating current in the coil; and thereby providing an oscillating magnetic field through the coil to effect movement of the element and the leaflet.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant including a handle, a trigger, an actuation assembly, and a catheter assembly. The actuation assembly is configured to displace the outer tubular member in the proximal direction and to separately move the inner shaft member distally upon deployment of the trigger from the first position to the second position, and move the inner shaft member proximally with no displacement of the outer tubular member upon return of the trigger from the second position to the first position. The catheter assembly includes an outer tubular member, an inner shaft member, and a pusher assembly.

Abstract: A method of pretinning a guidewire core made of shape memory alloy and having an elongate axis, comprising: placing a ball of solder in a pocket in a soldering block; melting the ball of solder; holding a guidewire core over the ball of solder; lowering the guidewire core into the ball of solder; removing the guidewire from the ball of solder.

Abstract: The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.

Abstract: A scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by a head at one or both ends. The marker is attached to the strut by a process that includes forming a rivet from a radiopaque bead and attaching the rivet to the marker including deforming the rivet to enhance resistance to dislodgement during crimping or balloon expansion. The strut has a thickness of about 100 microns.

Abstract: An expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. In one aspect, the stent includes a butterfly pattern to which connecting links are attached. In another aspect, the stent embodies a non-directional structure.