Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated method for grafting a lumen of selected organs and vessels, wherein the medical device is shaped from a shape memory fabric. The device is preferably made from a continuous tubular fabric and each end terminates with an open end for passage there through. Each end further includes a securing member attached to an outer perimeter of the end, wherein a substantial plane formed by the perimeter intersects the longitudinal axis of the tubular fabric at either an acute or obtuse angle. The fabric may be heat treated within a mold in order to substantially set a desired shape of the device. The securing member may also attach to the end of a guide wire or delivery catheter, thereby allowing deployment and later retrieval after deployment of the device.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated method for shunting selected organs and vessels, wherein the medical device is shaped from a shape memory metal fabric. The device may be used, for example, to non-surgically create a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The device is preferably made from a continuous tubular metal fabric and includes two outer flanges that reduce device migration and includes a central passageway between the two outer flanges. The metal fabric may be heat treated within a mold in order to substantially set a desired relaxed shape of the device. The medical device includes a fastener for attaching to the end of a guide wire or delivery catheter. The medical device having the desired relaxed shape may be collapsed and delivered through a catheter or the like for deployment in a desired channel or opening in a patient's body and is retrievable after deployment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: A 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: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: A sizing catheter and method of measuring a preselected internal opening within a patient to provide a rapid and precise determination of a stretched diameter 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 a stretched diameter of the preselected opening. The sizing catheter and method may be utilized to determine an appropriate sized occluding device to thereby occlude the preselected opening.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and associated method for occluding an abnormal opening in, for example, a body organ, wherein the medical device is shaped from a shape memory metal fabric. The device may be used, for example, to non-surgically treat a patient having a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) and resulting paradoxical cerebral emboli. The device is preferably made from a continuous tubular metal fabric and includes two outer occluding portions and a resilient central, spring-like interconnecting member. The metal fabric may be 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. The medical device having the desired relaxed shape may be collapsed and delivered through a catheter or the like for deployment in a desired channel or opening in a patient's body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.