Abstract: A system and method for sizing and imaging of cardiovascular defects generally are disclosed capable of producing model images or forms that mimic the shape of defects such as openings or breaches in cardiac septum walls, so that remedial devices of the correct size and shape can be administered to occlude defects. The system uses a three-dimensional open wire imaging structure which is flexible, easy to position and does not occlude blood flow and when expanded, can be measured in situ.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering an object within a patient, wherein the object is delivered in a preferred orientation relative to the delivery site of the patient. The delivery device has an alignment member that allows the object to be delivered intravascularly to the delivery site of the patient, wherein the object is delivered in a pre-determined orientation. The object may, for example, be non-symmetric or include a configuration that requires delivery to the site in only one suitable orientation relative to the delivery site. Such objects may be used, for example, to treat certain defects or injuries in vessels or organs within a patient's body.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering an object within a patient, wherein the object is delivered in a preferred orientation relative to the delivery site of the patient. The delivery device has an alignment member that allows the object to be delivered intravascularly to the delivery site of the patient, wherein the object is delivered in a pre-determined orientation. The object may, for example, be non-symmetric or include a configuration that requires delivery to the site in only one suitable orientation relative to the delivery site. Such objects may be used, for example, to treat certain defects or injuries in vessels or organs within a patient's body.

Abstract: A sizing catheter and method of measuring a preselected internal opening within a patient to provide a rapid and precise determination of first and second stretched diameters of the preselected internal opening. The sizing catheter includes a dilation balloon constructed of a thin expandable plastic, which is inflatable and is utilized to determine a size of the preselected opening. The dilation balloon is inflated to an inflation threshold wherein the dilation balloon deforms about the preselected opening and the size of the dilation balloon adjacent the preselected opening approximates the first stretched diameter of the preselected opening. The sizing catheter and method may be utilized to determine an appropriate sized device to be positioned within the preselected opening.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated methods for occluding an abnormal opening in, for example, a body organ, wherein the medical device is shaped from a heat treatable metal fabric. The metal fabric is formed from a plurality of metal strands and is heat treated within a mold in order to substantially set a desired shape of the device. The medical device includes a fastener for attaching to the end of a guide wire or delivery catheter, wherein the shape of the medical device is formed such that the fastener is attached to the metal fabric within a recess formed in the shape of the medical device. A medical device having a preselected shape is delivered through a catheter or the like for deployment in a desired channel or opening in a patient's body. The medical device may be shaped, for example, to occlude an ASD, PDA, or a VSD.