Abstract: Novel methods for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating aneurysms are provided. The presently disclosed methods provide for the embolization of aneurysms wherein occlusion of the neck of the aneurysm during embolization by a flow arresting device such as balloon is not required. In one embodiment, the compositions employed in the methods of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a biocompatible contrast agent wherein the viscosity of this composition is at least about 1000 centistokes at 40° C. and, preferably, at least about 2500 centistokes at 40° C.

Abstract: A catheter according to the present invention includes a multiple lumen catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition through a first lumen and delivery of a solidification agent through a second lumen. The catheter allows adjustment of the relative longitudinal position of the two lumens to control the solidification of the embolic composition within a blood vessel. The multiple lumen catheter system is used by inserting the catheter endovascularly into an aneurysm site and injecting a liquid embolic composition through the first lumen while injecting a solidification agent through the second lumen to wash the area of the aneurysm of blood which has become saturated with solvent, while replacing it with a fresh solidification agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods for embolizing blood vessels comprising delivering, via a catheter, an embolic composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible water insoluble contrast agent, and a biocompatible solvent. In one embodiment, the method is conducted during a single surgical procedure whereby a flow-arresting device is positioned and activated at the vascular site to be embolized, the embolic composition is injected, and the flow-arresting device is deactivated. In another embodiment, the method is conducted during a single surgical procedure whereby two embolic compositions, situated adjacent to one another, are injected at the vascular site to be embolized.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a stent or other medical device by creating a free standing thin film of metal.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating urinary incontinence in a mammal wherein a composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and a contrast agent is delivered to the periurethral tissue of the mammal.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel syringes and catheters for delivering compositions which form solid masses in vivo. These syringes and catheters are particularly useful for delivering embolizing compositions intravascularly.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel radioactive compositions which are particularly suited for treating solid mass tumors via catheter delivery.

Abstract: A catheter according to the present invention includes a multiple lumen catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition through a first lumen and delivery of a solidification agent through a second lumen. The catheter allows adjustment of the relative longitudinal position of the two lumens to control the solidification of the embolic composition within a blood vessel. The multiple lumen catheter system is used by inserting the catheter endovascularly into an aneurysm site and injecting a liquid embolic composition through the first lumen while injecting a solidification agent through the second lumen to wash the area of the aneurysm of blood which has become saturated with solvent, while replacing it with a fresh solidification agent.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating incontinence in a mammal wherein a composition comprising a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent, and a contrast agent is delivered to the periurethral tissue of a mammal.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a proximal end and a distal end and a main axial lumen extending therebetween is provided with an inflation seal such that the presence of a guidewire in the inflation seal forms a fluid-tight seal for retaining fluid in the balloon and causing inflation thereof. The inflation seal can be formed distally of the balloon or within the balloon. Marker bands disposed at the distal end a formed integrally with the structure of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: A threaded syringe provides a mechanism by which a clinician can deliver a viscous fluid through a relatively small lumen and can obtain tactile or audible feedback of delivery. The threaded syringe allows for delivery of more viscous fluids with less force and/or allows for more controlled delivery. The syringe includes a syringe barrel and a sliding member positioned on the proximal end of the syringe barrel. The sliding member has a first threaded hole and a second hole. The sliding member is slidable on the syringe barrel between a first position at which the first threaded hole is aligned with the syringe barrel for precise delivery of a material from the syringe and a second position at which the second hole is aligned with the syringe barrel for filling of the syringe or to stop bleed out.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating vascular lesions via catheter delivery.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a stent or other medical device by creating a free standing thin film of metal.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a core and a coil in composite cooperation to enable the guidewire to be used within tortuous regions of the vasculature. The core has a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region includes a flattened end and a tang for connecting the core to the coil. The coil has a proximal end, a distal end and a length extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The ratio between the proximal region and the coil diameter is 1.4:1 or greater. The guidewire includes three joints for attaching the coil to the core. A distal joint attaches the distal end of the coil to the flattened end of the core. A proximal joint attaches proximal end of the coil to the core. A medial joint attaches the length of the coil to the tang. The three joints cooperate with the 1.4:1 ratio to improve torque transmission ability of the guidewire to enable the guidewire to steer through vessels with bends of over 90 degrees and with lumen diameters of less than 3 mm.

Abstract: A liquid embolic delivery system is provided for trapping an injected liquid embolic composition to prevent the liquid embolic from solidifying or otherwise passing outside of an embolization area. The delivery system includes a catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition and a containment member positioned at a distal end of the catheter which is shaped to trap the liquid embolic composition delivered through the lumen of the catheter. The containment member is formed as a brush, nest, sponge, swab, flexible sack, or other shape into and around which the liquid embolic composition is injected. The liquid embolic composition is trapped or meshes with the containment member during solidification containing the liquid embolic and preventing the embolic composition from passing into the blood stream.

Abstract: A catheter and system for delivering viscous fluid, under high pressures, into the vasculature of a patient includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, a reinforcing member surrounding at least a portion of the proximal end, and a compression fitting surrounding the reinforcing member for holding the proximal end of the catheter body. A strain relief element shrouds a portion of the proximal end to prevent kinking of the catheter body. Accordingly, the reinforcing member, the compression fitting and the strain relief element cooperate to hold the catheter body in a luer fitting and to prevent the proximal end of the catheter body from kinking under bending, and to prevent leakage or bursting under pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for treating endoleaks arising from endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The disclosed methods involve the in situ sealing of endoleaks after placement of an endovascular prostheses in the abdominal aorta. Sealing of endoleaks is achieved by injection of either a biocompatible polymer or prepolymer fluid composition into the endoleak which composition in situ solidifies to seal the leak. Preferably, the biocompatible fluid composition comprises a contrast agent to allow the clinician to visualize the sealing process.

Abstract: A stent fabricated from a rolled sheet. The sheet is perforated with wave form perforations to provide flexibility during insertion and in the body.