Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining purified rapamycin derivatives, including purified Biolimus A9. A crystalline form of Biolimus A9 is also described.

Abstract: This invention provides for a radially expandable stent having superior strength and reduced foreshortening properties. The stents have a mixed configuration of straight and arcuate connector segments that serve to join annular segments that make up the body of the stent. Surprisingly the described mixed configuration provides superior resistance to flip deformation while maintaining desired flexibility.

Abstract: A catheter having a multilumenal tube surrounded by a slotted hypotube is provided. The catheter has a tube holder that houses the multilumenal tubing and slidably engages the hypotube, and has internal passages configured to receive one of more tubes from the multilumenal tube. The multilumenal tubing separates into one or more tubings, each comprising a lumen, such that the tubings exit the tube holder at different locations. The slotted hypotube slidably engages a key in the tube holder that prevents the multilumenal tubing from rotating relative to the tube holder and the one of more tubings that separate from the multilumenal tubing. Advantages provided by the slotted hypotube/tube holder assembly are described.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a catheter system having a changeable or adjustable working length. The catheter system can comprise a proximal end, a distal end, and a first axial lumen configured to receive a guidewire formed through at least a portion of the catheter body. A first opening can be formed through a portion of the catheter body and be in communication with the first lumen. The sheath can be rotatable, axially movable, or otherwise changeable from at least a first position to a second position, wherein the sheath can substantially cover the first opening in the catheter body in the first position, and can substantially expose the first opening in the catheter body in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining purified rapamycin derivatives, including purified Biolimus A9. A crystalline form of Biolimus A9 is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an angioplasty balloon catheter having a retractable sheath and a flexible tip attached to the distal end of the sheath. The flexible tip is made of an elastomeric plastic that is capable of returning to its original shape after being expanded multiple times. The tip allows for the sheath to be retractable and the balloon inflated multiple times to treat or expand different locations within the vessel. Because the tip returns to its original shape each time, the tip is less likely to damage the vessel wall when the sheath is repositioned in the vessel, and also is easier to retract through a guide-catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining purified rapamycin derivatives, including purified Biolimus A9. A crystalline form of Biolimus A9 is also described.

Abstract: A catheter having a multilumenal tube surrounded by a slotted hypotube is provided. The catheter has a tube holder that houses the multilumenal tubing and slidably engages the hypotube, and has internal passages configured to receive one of more tubes from the multilumenal tube. The multilumenal tubing separates into one or more tubings, each comprising a lumen, such that the tubings exit the tube holder at different locations. The slotted hypotube slidably engages a key in the tube holder that prevents the multilumenal tubing from rotating relative to the tube holder and the one of more tubings that separate from the multilumenal tubing. Advantages provided by the slotted hypotube/tube holder assembly are described.

Abstract: An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making, are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 ?in (0.5 ?m) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 ?in (7.5-17.5 ?m). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining purified rapamycin derivatives, including purified Biolimus A9. A crystalline form of Biolimus A9 is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an angioplasty balloon catheter having a retractable sheath and a flexible tip attached to the distal end of the sheath. The flexible tip is made of an elastomeric plastic that is capable of returning to its original shape after being expanded multiple times. The tip allows for the sheath to be retractable and the balloon inflated multiple times to treat or expand different locations within the vessel. Because the tip returns to its original shape each time, the tip is less likely to damage the vessel wall when the sheath is repositioned in the vessel, and also is easier to retract through a guide-catheter.

Abstract: An N-M tomography system comprising: a carrier for the subject of an examination procedure; a plurality of detector heads; a carrier for the detector heads; and a detector positioning arrangement operable to position the detector heads during performance of a scan without interference or collision between adjacent detector heads to establish a variable bore size and configuration for the examination. Additionally, collimated detectors providing variable spatial resolution for SPECT imaging and which can also be used for PET imaging, whereby one set of detectors can be selectably used for either modality, or for both simultaneously.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascular stent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine (1) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotating support element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion with respect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that some or all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speeds of the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels along the paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerline of the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotational speed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlled to achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces, and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stent elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for obtaining purified rapamycin derivatives, including purified Biolimus A9. A crystalline form of Biolimus A9 is also described.

Abstract: An improvement in drug-eluting stents, and method of their making, are disclosed. The surface of a metal stent is roughened to have a surface roughness of at least about 20 ?in (0.5 ?m) and a surface roughness range of between about 300-700 ?in (7.5-17.5 ?m). The roughened stent surface is covered with a polymer-free coating of a limus drug, to a coating thickness greater than the range of surface roughness of the roughened stent surface.

Abstract: A method for predefining a set of radioactive-emission measurement views, for radioactive-emission imaging after an administration of a radiopharmaceutical, the method being tailored to a specific body structure and optimized with respect to the information gained about the body structure and based on modeling body-structure, based on its geometry and anatomical constraints, which limit accessibility to the body structure.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascular stent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine (1) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotating support element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion with respect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that some or all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speeds of the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels along the paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerline of the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotational speed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlled to achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces, and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stem elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved processes for obtaining rapamycin derivatives including Biolimus A9.

Abstract: A method for predefining a set of radioactive-emission measurement views, for radioactive-emission imaging after an administration of a radiopharmaceutical, the method being tailored to a specific body structure and optimized with respect to the information gained about the body structure and based on modeling body-structure, based on its geometry and anatomical constraints, which limit accessibility to the body structure.

Abstract: Radioimaging methods, devices and radiopharmaceuticals therefor.