Abstract: Systems and methods for generating Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) elastographs of a region in a body are provided. A catheter, in accordance with one embodiment, comprises an elongated member, an acoustic transducer positioned near a distal end of the elongated member, and a Radio Frequency (RF) coil adjacent to the acoustic transducer. To generate an MRI elastograph of a region in a body, the acoustic transducer and the RF coil of the catheter are positioned at the desired region in the body. The acoustic transducer emits acoustic waves in the region of the body, and the RF coil detects RF signals emitted within the region of the body. The detected RF signals are outputted to an MRI receiver to generate the MRI elastograph of the region in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip configured to be installed through an endoluminal device to secure a tissue fold. The clip includes a female member and a male member configured to engage one another to secure the tissue fold. Another aspect of the invention includes a clipping device comprising a tissue clip magazine. The magazine is configured to hold a plurality of tissue clips and install the plurality of tissue clips in a single actuation of the magazine. A method for using the clipping device together with the tissue clips of the present invention to create and secure a fold of tissue during an endoluminal procedure also is disclosed.

Abstract: An ablative burr (100) that may be used for a medical procedure, such as an atherectomy, that does not require the user of an elongate flexible drive shaft. The burr comprises a main body (110) that is elastically connected to an abrasive shell member (130). One or more oscillatory driver(s) (150), such as a piezoelectric transducer, is disposed between the shell member and the main body to oscillate the shell with respect to the main body. Elastically compressible members (140, 142) are provided between the shell member and the main body member. The oscillatory drivers are preferably set or tuned to operate at a resonant frequency of the shell member whereby shell member amplitudes larger than the oscillatory driver amplitudes may be induced. Embodiments of longitudinally oscillatory burrs (100, 200) and rotationally oscillatory burrs (300, 400) are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention involves a magnetic detachable embolization apparatus and method for embolizing an aneurysm of a blood vessel. The apparatus includes an element adapted to be detachably connected to a distal portion of a catheter for insertion within an aneurysm of a blood vessel, the element being shaped to be retained within the aneurysm, and one or more magnets carried by the element to internally induce a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control a magnetic field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm. The method includes providing a magnetic-field controllable embolic within or adjacent to an aneurysm in a blood vessel, and internally inducing a magnetic field from within the aneurysm to control the magnetic-field controllable embolic to embolize the aneurysm.

Abstract: An implantable vascular access device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, an interior chamber defined therein and a valve positioned between the inlet and the interior chamber. The valve is subcutaneously manipulated between an open position, in which fluid can flow between the inlet and the interior chamber, and a closed position in which the valve occludes the inlet. The device may include any combination of multiple inlets, outlets and/or interior chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the housing includes two separate interior chambers suitable for the inflow and outflow of a typical hemodialysis procedure. A method for accessing a vascular structure is provided which includes the steps of subcutaneously implanting the device connecting one end of a cannula to the outlet of the device and another end of the cannula to a selected vascular structure. The valve of the device is manipulated to permit fluid communication between the inlet of the device and the selected vascular structure.

Abstract: A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach.

Abstract: A miniaturized x-ray apparatus for delivering x-rays to a selected site within a body cavity includes a catheter having at least one lumen and an x-ray transparent window at a distal end thereof; an x-ray source in the lumen adjacent said x-ray transparent window; a movable x-ray shield positioned to direct x-rays from the source through the x-ray transparent window to the selected site.

Abstract: A process for treating nitinol so that desired mechanical properties are achieved. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of exposing the nitinol to a primary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 475° C. to 525° C. for a first time period, and thereafter exposing the nitinol to a secondary annealing temperature within the range of approximately 550° C. to 800° C. for a second time period. The invention also includes nitinol articles made by the process of the invention.

Abstract: An interface is associated with a structure which, in use, is deployed in an interior body region of a patient. The structure includes an operative element coupled to a controller, which establishes an operating condition for the operative element to perform a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure in the interior body region. The interface generates a first display comprising an image of the structure at least partially while the operative element performs the procedure. The interface also generates a second display comprising one or more data fields reflecting the operating condition of the controller. The interface enables selection of the first display or the second display for viewing on a display screen.

Abstract: A thrombosis filter which can be securely affixed at a selected location in the vascular system of a patient and removed when no longer required, and method for removing the thrombosis filter. An embodiment of the thrombosis filter includes a plurality of struts made from a shape memory alloy which changes shape at a temperature other than body temperature, thereby allowing removal of the filter.

Abstract: A coil electrode for use in an electrophysiology probe includes a first material having a relatively high radiopacity and a second material having a relatively high resiliency. This combination provides the necessary levels of durability, resiliency and radiopacity. An electrophysiological probe includes a support structure, at least one first electrode defining a first radiopacity supported on the support structure and at least one second electrode defining a second radiopacity supported on the support structure, the second radiopacity being greater than the first radiopacity. When viewed under a fluoroscope, the pattern of electrodes of varying radiopacities allows the physician to distinguish between individual electrodes.

Abstract: A stent may be constructed to have at least one lockable cell which includes a first locking member and a second locking member. The first and second locking members are movable between a first position in which they are not locked together to a second position in which they are locked together and impart increased scaffolding strength to the stent.

Abstract: A radially expandable stent-graft endoprosthesis is provided. The graft included in the stent-graft is a knitted tubular structure circumferentially disposed and securably attached to the stent. The knitted tubular structure has a knit pattern of interlacing yarns in an Atlas or a modified-Atlas pattern to provide greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability. A knitted tubular graft and a knitted medical fabric with greater than 150 percent longitudinal stretchability are also provided.

Abstract: A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body tissue. The probe includes a elongate body and a loop structure, in the form of a helical structure or other loop structure, that supports electrodes or other operative elements against the body tissue.

Abstract: An x-ray catheter being a tapered bead can penetrate tumors and deliver x-rays direct from an x-ray source therein to the target tissue, reducing or eliminating irradiation of healthy tissue.

Abstract: An implantable composite device for regulated delivery of bioactive agents to the site of implantation includes at least two zones of distinct porosities through its cross-section. One zone is of a sufficient porosity to permit regulated transport of bioactive agents associated with the device to an area of the body in need of treatment. The bioactive agent associated with the device can be either a therapeutic or diagnostic agent. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the device includes a tubular body consisting of a first luminal layer of ePTFE having a porosity sufficient to promote cell endothelization along the luminal surface; and a second polymeric layer disposed on the first layer of a porosity permitting regulated transport of the bioactive agents.

Abstract: Methods and devices for occluding a vessel during a percutaneous ablation procedure. An elongated access device having a lumen and a tissue piercing, open distal end in communication with the lumen is used to percutaneously access a vessel that supplied blood to the tissue to be treated. An elongated balloon deployment device is used to deliver a balloon into the interior of the vessel. The balloon is inflated, resulting in the occlusion of the vessel. The tissue to be treated is ablated. Because there is little or no blood to transfer the thermal energy away from the heated tissue, the ablation procedure is performed more efficiently. The balloon may be subsequently deflated allowing normal flow through the vessel to return.

Abstract: An implantable cancer therapy device includes adjacent segments of a radioactive therapeutic and an adjunctive therapeutic. The segments of radioactive therapeutic and adjunctive therapeutic can be alternatively disposed in a predetermined spatial array. The implantation can be permanent or temporary. The device can be a substantially cylindrical filament or plurality of spaced radioactive seed overlaid with an adjunctive therapeutic. The device can also be a monofilament comprising an adjunctive therapeutic, the monofilament having spaced depressions for indicating length and facilitating cutting.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering and/or retrieving a filter fixed to a guidewire disposed within a blood vessel are disclosed. A system in accordance with the present invention comprises, an outer shaft having a proximal end, distal end and a wall defining an outer shaft lumen. The system also includes a stop mechanism disposed within the outer shaft lumen. The stop mechanism is preferably configured such that relative axial movement between the guidewire and the outer shaft may be selectively precluded.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument has a control member, a portion of the member having an outer surface with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The non-circular cross-sectional shape may be provided to the control member by providing peripheral projections or fins along the length of the portion or by providing the periphery of the portion with a polygonal shape. Where fins are used, the fins are preferably quite small and only have a minimal effect on the fluid flow cross-sectional area between the interior of the endoscope instrument shaft and the central control member. The resulting instrument has significantly reduced backlash in end effector assembly manipulation, while maintaining adequate fluid flow in the endoscope shaft.