Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing and cutting suture material is disclosed. Suture material is preferably threaded through a ferrule in the crimping and cutting device which includes a hammer head slidable within a tip of the device for crimping the ferrule and trapping the suture material therein. The tip further preferably includes a cutting edge such that the ferrule is crimped and the suture material is cut in one proximal movement of the hammer head. The suture material may be threaded through the ferrule using a suture loading assembly which includes a flexible loop pre-threaded through the ferrule. A handle assembly having a safety button for preventing movement of the trigger until the safety button is depressed is also disclosed. An adjustment screw within the handle assembly allows for a change in length of a rod within the device during manufacture.

Abstract: A removable sleeve is provided, which comprises a shaft portion configured to engage at least a portion of a percutaneous device. The shaft portion may be substantially fitted to the external dimensions of a percutaneous device. The removable sleeve also comprises a handle portion at a proximal end of the shaft portion. The handle portion is positioned such that upon proper introduction of the percutaneous device, the shaft portion may easily be moved proximally to expose an operative region of the percutaneous device.

Abstract: A percutaneous surgical device is provided, which comprises a combination wound suturing and crimping and cutting device. In one exemplary embodiment a crimping and cutting device portion nests within a suturing device portion. The combined device may locate a vessel wound and pass suture through the vessel walls surrounding the wound. Then, the crimping and cutting portion may detach, the suturing portion may be removed, and the crimping and cutting portion may be located to the wound site to apply a fastener (e.g., a ferrule).

Abstract: An energy filtering system including an energy filtering material provided between a radioactive material and a treatment target such that radioactive energy is filtered. In a preferred embodiment, the filtering material is provided as a thin-walled layer, such as a micro-foil, mesh, helically wound spring, film, coating or stackable right-angle disks, among others, at one or more locations between the radioactive source and a treatment target, to filter the radiation energy during treatment. The filtering material may be a high-density material, such as platinum, applied or incorporated in a supporting structure between the radioactive material and the treatment target. The supporting structure may include a catheter having a treatment end, a source wire movable within the catheter, a stent or indeed, any structure positionable between a source of radiation and a treatment site.

Abstract: A source wire for radiation treatment of diseases is provided, comprising a relatively long elongate flexible wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the wire having a wire end face substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the wire; a relatively short flexible tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the tube being sealed, the tube having a tube end face at the proximal end and substantially perpendicular to the distal wire end face of the wire, the tube having an inner diameter defining a cavity; and a core capable of being irradiated to form at least one radioactive source positioned within the cavity.