Abstract: A bolus tip for a multi-lumen catheter includes a first channel terminating distally in a first opening, and a second channel terminating distally in a second opening. The first opening may be positioned proximal the second opening along a longitudinal axis of the bolus tip and may be positioned on a side of the bolus tip opposite that of the second opening. The first and second openings may extend through an outer wall of the bolus tip to a dividing section. The bolus tip may also include a third channel sized for accommodating a guidewire.

Abstract: A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: A stent device (10) comprises a first graft member (20), a second graft member and a stent frame (12) defining a central axis. The frame has an abluminal surface engaged with the first graft member and a luminal surface engaged with the second graft member such that the first graft member and the second graft member encapsulates the stent frame along the length of the central axis. The stent frame includes a configuration where the stent frame is disposed on a curvature such that the abluminal surface has a radius of curvature of approximately 20 millimeters about a center of the curvature and the luminal surface defines a substantially constant effective cross-sectional area at any portion generally transverse to the central axis of the stent frame disposed about the curvature.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to implantable medical devices having a fluorinated coating, and methods of coating the same. More particularly, the present invention provides implantable metallic medical devices coated with a corrosion resistant coating comprising an amorphous fluoropolymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.

Abstract: An implantable intraluminal device having a self-expanding stent encapsulated between a first and second seamless ePTFE tube. The implantable intraluminal device has a reduced first diametric dimension and an expanded second diametric dimension, and is adapted to be modeled to the in vivo profile of a receiving anatomical structure through radial expansion of at least a portion thereof to a third diametric dimension greater than the second diametric dimension.

Abstract: Extruded, stretched, sintered tubular PTFE materials are produced which are suited for use in the medical field as liners and covers for expandable stents. The PTFE materials have an unusually low REC (Radial Expansion Coefficient) and RER (Radial Expansion Ratio).

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter comprising a loop-like structure at the distal portion of the catheter is disclosed herein. In one variation, the loop-tip catheter comprises a dual lumen catheter and a loop-like structure at the distal end of the catheter. The loop-like structure includes at least one lumen, which is in fluid communication with at lease one of the two lumens in the dual lumen catheter. One or more ports are provided on the loop-like structure for accessing the lumens within the loop. In another variation, the loop-tip catheter is configured with an arterial inlet positioned on an inner surface of the loop, while a venous outlet is positioned on an outer surface of the loop. Methods for making and using variations of the loop-tip catheter are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an introducer includes a handle, a needle extending from the handle, the needle having a distal end and defining an inner lumen, the needle further having an opening that provides access to the inner lumen, a snare having an implant coupling element, the snare being positioned within the inner lumen of the needle, the snare being extendable from the needle opening to an extended position in which the implant coupling element is positioned outside of the inner lumen and retractable to a retracted position in which at least a portion of the implant coupling element is positioned within the inner lumen, and a snare extension mechanism provided on the handle, the extension mechanism being configured to alternately extend and retract the snare.

Abstract: An embolic filter is disclosed and includes a hub and at least one elongated member extending from the hub. The at least one elongated member includes a core and a jacket circumscribing the core. A ratio of a core diameter to a jacket diameter is at least 0.60.

Abstract: A stent is disclosed and can include a stent body having a longitudinal axis. The stent body can also have a network of struts that can define a plurality of cells defined between interconnected struts. Each of the plurality of cells includes a major axis that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a cell angle, ?.

Abstract: An apparatus for mapping and/or ablating tissue includes a braided conductive member that that may be inverted to provide a ring-shaped surface. When a distal tip of the braided conductive member is retracted within the braided conductive member, the lack of a protrusion allows the ring-shaped surface to contact a tissue wall such as a cardiac wall. In an alternative configuration, the braided conductive member may be configured with the distal portion forming a proboscis that can be used to stably position the braided conductive member relative to a blood vessel, such as a ventricular outflow tract. The braided conductive member has a plurality of electronically active sites that may be accessed individually for stable mapping over a broad area for stable mapping or ablation to form broad and deep lesions.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis and a method of repairing an anatomical defect, such as a tissue or muscle wall defect, by promoting tissue growth thereto, while limiting the incidence of postoperative adhesions between a portion of the prosthesis and tissue or organs. The prosthesis is formed of a biologically compatible, flexible layer of repair fabric suitable for reinforcing tissue or muscle and closing anatomical defects, and a barrier layer for physically isolating at least a portion of one side of the fabric from areas likely to form adhesions. A peripheral barrier extends about at least a portion of the outer peripheral edge of the repair fabric to inhibit adhesions between the outer peripheral edge and adjacent tissue and organs. The repair fabric may include an outer margin that has been melted and resolidified to render the outer peripheral edge substantially impervious to tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A gastric balloon devices and systems (8) for occupying space within a stomach of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, such a gastric balloon device (8) includes a shaft element (14) for insertion into a stomach (52) of a patient and a generally elongated balloon element (12) having at least one pleat region (30). Methods of use of a gastric balloon device or system are also disclosed. For example, a gastric balloon system (8) is provided including a generally elongated balloon element (12), wherein the balloon element (12) includes at least one pleat region (30). Further, the balloon element (12) is furled and inserted through a stoma into the stomach (52) of the patient and at least partially expanded. In another method a balloon element (12) is inserted into a stomach (52) of a patient, wherein a stoma is formed nearer to a duodenum (55) than a fundus region of the stomach (52), and the balloon element (12) is at least partially expanded.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved endoscopic tissue apposition device having multiple suction ports. The invention permits multiple folds of tissue to be captured in the suction ports with a single positioning of the device and attached together by a tissue securement mechanism such as a suture, staple or other form of tissue bonding. The improvement reduces the number of intubations required during an endoscopic procedure to suture tissue or join areas of tissue together. The suction ports may be arranged in a variety of configurations on the apposition device to best suit the desired resulting tissue orientation. The inventive tissue apposition device may also incorporate tissue abrasion means to activate the healing process on surfaces of tissue areas that are to be joined by operation of the device to promote a more secure attachment by permanent tissue bonding.

Abstract: An apparatus for mapping and/or ablating tissue includes a braided conductive member that may be inverted to provide a ring-shaped surface. When a distal tip of the braided conductive member is retracted within the braided conductive member, the lack of protrusion allows the ring-shaped surface to contact a tissue wall such as a cardiac wall. In an undeployed configuration, the braided conductive member is longitudinally extended, and in a deployed configuration, the distal end of the braided conductive member is retracted to invert the braided conductive member.

Abstract: An embolic filter is disclosed and can include a head. A plurality of bent legs can extend from the head. Each bent leg can be configured to engage an inner wall of a vein and prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a cranial direction. A plurality of straight legs can also extend from the head. Each straight leg can be configured to prevent the embolic filter from migrating in a caudal direction.

Abstract: A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. In one embodiment, the low power ultrasound system comprises a base unit that includes an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.