Abstract: Over-the-wire self-sizing, self-centering valvulotomes sufficiently designed to cut valves through a wide range of vein diameters and adjust to the internal diameter of a vein as the valvulotome is being drawn through the vessel, and methods of use thereof during certain medical procedures that involve splitting valves, are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an over-the-wire valvulotome includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein a first portion of a plurality of cutting tools engage the catheter at the distal end, and wherein an actuation mechanism engages the catheter at the proximal end; a retainer for temporarily shielding a second portion of the plurality of cutting tools, wherein the second portion includes cutting blades; and a sheath slidably movable over the plurality of cutting blades, wherein the catheter and the retainer have internal diameters configured for passing over a guidewire.

Abstract: Non-occlusive modeling catheters including a dilation device for expanding an endoprosthesis implanted in a vessel are disclosed. In an embodiment, a modeling catheter includes a device comprising a plurality of compliant wires braided in a double overlapping pattern and having a length spanning between a proximal end of the device and a distal end of the device, wherein the device is positioned in at least a portion of an endoprosthesis implanted in a vessel, wherein, when the device is in a relaxed state, a plurality of spaces are formed between the plurality of wires to allow fluid to move freely through the plurality of spaces, and wherein, when the device is in a dilated state, the plurality of wires are sufficiently designed to exert a radial force on the endoprosthesis while continually allowing the fluid to move freely through the plurality of spaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote endarterectomy are disclosed. In an embodiment, a device for remote endarterectomy includes an elongated member, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; an endarterectomy unit at the distal end of the elongated member formed by a first member engaged to a second member in a substantial secure alignment with the second member, wherein the endarterectomy unit has a circumferential enclosure configured to separate a plaque core from a blood vessel and an open region surrounded by the enclosure and configured to receive the separated plaque core therethrough; and an actuator coupled to the proximal end of the elongated member for translating the first member relative to the second member across the open space to transect the plaque core received in the open space.

Abstract: Over-the-wire self-sizing, self-centering valvulotomes sufficiently designed to cut valves through a wide range of vein diameters and adjust to the internal diameter of a vein as the valvulotome is being drawn through the vessel, and methods of use thereof during certain medical procedures that involve splitting valves, are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an over-the-wire valvulotome includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein a first portion of a plurality of cutting tools engage the catheter at the distal end, and wherein an actuation mechanism engages the catheter at the proximal end; a retainer for temporarily shielding a second portion of the plurality of cutting tools, wherein the second portion includes cutting blades; and a sheath slidably moveable over the plurality of cutting blades, wherein the catheter and the retainer have internal diameters configured for passing over a guidewire.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote endarterectomy are disclosed. In an embodiment, a device for remote endarterectomy includes an elongated member, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; an endarterectomy unit at the distal end of the elongated member formed by a first member engaged to a second member in a substantial secure alignment with the second member, wherein the endarterectomy unit has a circumferential enclosure configured to separate a plaque core from a blood vessel and an open region surrounded by the enclosure and configured to receive the separated plaque core therethrough; and an actuator coupled to the proximal end of the elongated member for translating the first member relative to the second member across the open space to transect the plaque core received in the open space.

Abstract: Over-the-wire self-sizing, self-centering valvulotomes sufficiently designed to cut valves through a wide range of vein diameters and adjust to the internal diameter of a vein as the valvulotome is being drawn through the vessel, and methods of use thereof during certain medical procedures that involve splitting valves, are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an over-the-wire valvulotome includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein a first portion of a plurality of cutting tools engage the catheter at the distal end, and wherein an actuation mechanism engages the catheter at the proximal end; a retainer for temporarily shielding a second portion of the plurality of cutting tools, wherein the second portion includes cutting blades; and a sheath slidably moveable over the plurality of cutting blades, wherein the catheter and the retainer have internal diameters configured for passing over a guidewire.

Abstract: A shunt includes a first occlusion assembly and a second occlusion assembly. The first occlusion assembly includes a first occlusion fluid conduit that carries an inflation fluid from a fluid source to a first balloon of the shunt. The second occlusion assembly includes a second occlusion fluid conduit that carries an inflation fluid from a fluid source to a second balloon of the shunt. The first occlusion assembly includes a first color and the second fluid assembly includes a second color, distinct from the first color. The distinctive colorings of the first and second occlusion fluid conduits remain visible within an operative field during an endarterectomy procedure and allow a user to distinguish the first occlusion assembly from the second occlusion assembly during the procedure.

Abstract: A catheter introducer includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis of the tube for accommodating a catheter traveling along a longitudinal axis of the tube and a head portion coupled to the distal end of the tube. The head portion includes an aperture in fluid communication with the lumen at a proximal end thereof and a tip at a distal end thereof, an exterior surface extending from the proximal end thereof to an opening of the head portion along a first portion of the head portion and extending from the proximal end thereof to the tip along an opposing portion of the head portion and an interior surface extending from the aperture to the opening of the head portion along the first portion of the head portion and extending from the aperture toward the tip along the opposing portion of the head portion.

Abstract: A single-use radiological imaging aid includes an adhesive-backed tape and a backer covering the adhesive. Both the tape and the backer include radiopaque indicia. The indicia on the tape may include locating and/or measurement markings to identify, locate and/or measure anatomical features in a radiological image. The indicia on the backer includes alphanumeric and/or graphic symbols which define a blocking field. When the backer is intact over the adhesive surface of the tape, the blocking field on the backer is in substantial registration with the indicia on the tape. The backer must be removed prior to use of the tape in a radiological image, or else the blocking field will obscure the indicia on the tape in a scanned image. This design ensures that the tape will be properly adhered to a patient's skin prior to imaging and will be used only once.