Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.

Abstract: A method of making a flexible, durable catheter tip is achieved by providing a catheter tip, and in some embodiments, applying heat energy only to the distal portion of a catheter tip. In other embodiments, the method includes ablating a portion of the outer diameter of the proximal region material. In at least one embodiment, the method includes manufacturing a catheter tip with a layer of a harder material disposed about a first layer of a relatively softer material and then ablating at least a portion of the harder material. In some embodiments, the method includes dipping at least a portion of the distal region of the catheter tip into a chemical bath. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a catheter tip made of a tip material, adding a curable adhesive to at least a portion of the distal region, and then applying heat energy to cure the curable adhesive.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to mechanisms that affect the elution rate of a therapeutic agent that has been deposited on the surface of at least a portion of a stent. Mechanisms include grooves formed in the therapeutic agent that is coating at least a portion of the surface of the stent. In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to the directional release of a therapeutic agent contained within a reservoir formed in at least one member of a stent.

Abstract: Device and methods for removing a foreign object from a body lumen are disclosed. A retrieval device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an elongated member including a flexible collector element, and a core wire that can be engaged by the physician to actuate the collector element between a first position and a second position with the body. The collector element may comprise a coiled section including a coiled flat ribbon adapted to assume a substantially straight shape in the first position and an expanded shape forming one or more helically oriented loops in the second position. The collector element may also comprise one or more fibers operatively coupled to the coiled section.

Abstract: A method of using a balloon catheter, comprising the steps of providing a balloon catheter, the balloon catheter comprising a balloon and a plurality of fins, the plurality of fins engaged to the balloon; inserting the balloon catheter into the vasculature; advancing the balloon catheter through the vasculature to a desired location; inflating the balloon when the balloon catheter is at the desired location; deflating the balloon; and directing the blood flow along the balloon thereby aiding rewrap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which tracks over two guidewires. One guidewire is disposed in each branch vessel of a bifurcation. The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which enables efficient and accurate stent deployment and dilatation of bifurcation lesions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an austenitic, stainless steel series 300 alloy having improved biocompatible characteristics. The modified stainless steel alloy consists essentially of, in weight percent, about C Mn Si P S ?0.030 ?2.00 ?0.750 ?0.023 ?0.010 Cr Mo Ni Fe “X” 8.5-11.5 0.0-6.25 6.5-7.5 46.185-74.000 5.0-10.0 whereby variable “x” could be comprised from a group consisting of Gold, Osmium, Palladium, Platinum, Rhenium, Tantalum, or Tungsten. The alloy provides a unique combination of strength, ductility, corrosion resistance, and other mechanical properties which also has improved biocompatible characteristics.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical devices, such as stents, for delivering a biologically active material to a desired location within the body of a patient. In particular, the invention relates generally to a medical device for delivering a biologically active material to a surface of a body lumen. More particularly, the invention is directed to a medical device comprising two opposing end sections, each having a surface, and a middle portion. The middle portion comprises a plurality of struts and the two opposing end sections comprises non-structural elements.

Abstract: A device for placement within a body of a patient includes an elongated member and an inflatable member coupled to the elongated member. In one embodiment, the elongated member has a first end portion and a second end portion and defines a lumen. The inflatable member is coupled to the elongated member between the first end portion of the elongated member and the second end portion of the elongated member. The inflatable member is configured to be inflated with a fluid and is configured to deliver the fluid to the body of the patient when the device is placed within the body.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly, tissue treatment system, and method are provided for ablating tissue. The probe assembly comprises an elongated member and electrode elements mechanically coupled to the distal end of the elongated member. The electrode elements are configurable as two bipolar electrode pairs with a common electrode element. At least one of the electrode elements comprises a plurality of electrodes (such as, e.g., needle electrodes) radially extendable from the elongated member. An ablation source, such as a radio frequency source, can be connected to the probe assembly in order to convey ablation energy to the electrode pairs, either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: Medical instruments and methods of using the instruments are described. In some embodiments, a medical instrument includes a housing, a stylet having a portion in the housing, a movable first member in the housing, the movable member being connected to the stylet, and a second member located in the housing to reduce movement of the first member. The second member is configured to change movement of the first member from a first direction to a second direction different than the first direction.

Abstract: Particles, such as particles including a polymer including vinyl formal monomer units, and related compositions and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention has several plausible embodiments. In one embodiment an apparatus for coating a medical device is provided. This apparatus includes a coating chamber, a vibrating structure within the coating chamber the vibrating structure capable of suspending a medical device positioned in the coating chamber, and a coating source, the coating source positioned to introduce coating into the coating chamber. In another embodiment a method of coating a medical device is provided. This method includes moving a medical device into a predetermined coating area, vibrating a structure below the medical device, the vibration of the structure forcing the medical device away from the vibrating structure, and coating at least a portion of the medical device that has moved away from the vibrating structure.

Abstract: An embodiment is a catheter comprising a first elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a first lumen therethrough, a wire having a proximal end and a distal end at least partially disposed in the first elongate shaft, the distal end extending distally from the first elongate shaft, and a motion control apparatus connected to the proximal end of the wire, further comprising a device attached to the distal end of the wire for changing the shape of an embolus, wherein the device is configured to change the shape of the embolus to unclog a distal catheter lumen.

Abstract: A biocompatible fastener particularly well-suited for use in fundoplication procedures. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener is designed to break within the span of approximately three to six months after implantation and comprises a male portion and a female portion. The male portion includes a first base member, the first base member being generally flat and oval. A pair of male members are mounted on the bottom surface of the first base member, each male member comprising a cylindrical post extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the first base member and a conical head disposed at the bottom end of the post. The female portion includes a second base member, the second base member being generally flat and oval. A pair of sleeves are mounted on the top surface of the second base member and extend upwardly therefrom. Each sleeve defines a bore adapted to receive a head from a corresponding male member and has an inner flange formed thereon.

Abstract: Improved stent configurations exhibiting limited recoil, resistance to compression and improved longitudinal flexibility are disclosed. The stent comprised of a plurality of annular elements aligned to form a cylindrical stent body. The annular elements are comprised of a plurality of open, generally boomerang-shaped segments interconnected top-to-bottom around each of the annular elements. Adjacent annular elements are interconnected by interconnecting element.

Abstract: Suturing instruments in accordance with the invention are dimensioned and configured to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, laparoscopic, or endoscopic surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the suturing instruments include a distal portion that is deflectably and/or pivotally coupled to the remainder of the instrument for improved maneuverability and functionality during surgery. In other embodiments, the suturing instruments are capable of housing multiple needle and suture assemblies and/or reloading the needle and suture assembly without removing the instrument from the surgical site.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to multiple needle catheter-based injection systems to deliver a plug of a therapeutic or other agent. A medical device may include a catheter with a distal end, a proximal end and a catheter lumen extending therebetween and an outer needle disposed in the catheter lumen with a distal end and a proximal end and an outer needle lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may include an inner needle with a distal end and a proximal end, the inner needle being disposed in the outer needle lumen and the distal end of the inner needle to receive and hold a therapeutic plug, and a needle control mechanism coupled to the proximal ends of the outer needle and the inner needle, the needle control mechanism to independently and jointly control ejection and retraction of the outer and inner needles to deliver the therapeutic plug into a target tissue site.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, systems, devices, and kits for coating portions of a medical device or other work piece as well as to medical devices that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under methods of the invention, portions of a medical device may be selectively coated. The method may include providing a medical device, an applicator, and a spreader. A layer of coating having a thickness may then be applied to a target surface of the medical device with the applicator. When the coating is applied, the spreader can be positioned in contact with the coating to reduce the coating thickness by spreading the coating over a larger surface area of the target surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving an object disposed within a body lumen. The apparatus includes a first sheath, a coupling member and at least one contraction member for engaging at least a portion of the object. The coupling member is movable relative to the first sheath between a retracted position and a capture position. In the retracted position, a distal portion of the coupling member is disposed within the first sheath. In the capture position, the coupling member distal portion is disposed outside the first sheath. The coupling member is also selectively attachable to the object in at least the capture position. When the coupling member is attached to the object and the contraction member is directly engaged with the object, a predetermined coupling member movement relative to the contraction member radially contracts at least a portion of the object thereby facilitating movement of the object within the body lumen.