Abstract: A disposable imaging catheter that produces high resolution, color images comparable to those obtained from an endoscope. The device may also be made to function as a guidewire. The device may also include a sheath which slides over the catheter body for stiffening and which may include a working channel for accepting interventional devices, as well as LEDs to illuminate the field of view. The vision catheter system includes a detector assembly, scanning mechanism, and distal objective lens. In one embodiment, a photodetector is mated to a lens/pinhole assembly that allows the detector to read light from a small discrete point. This assembly is then scanned in raster or spiral patterns via electric wire coils that actuate a magnetic scan plate to read the area of interest.

Abstract: Various configurations of systems that employ leadless electrodes to provide pacing therapy are provided. In one example, a system that provides multiple sites for pacing of myocardium of a heart includes wireless pacing electrode assemblies that are implantable at sites proximate the myocardium using a percutaneous, transluminal, catheter delivery system. Also disclosed are various configurations of such systems, wireless electrode assemblies, and delivery catheters for delivering and implanting the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A guidewire exit tool includes a pin that is insertable into a guidewire channel of a rapid exchange-type catheter. The pin has at least one tapered end that urges a guidewire out of a slit in guidewire channel. In one embodiment the exit tool has an oval handle that is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the pin such that the tool can be easily grasped and moved along the guidewire channel.

Abstract: A device is provided for endoluminal delivery of a luminary graft. As applied in the vascular system, the device comprises a catheter configured to be advanced endovascularly to a graft location. A generally tubular temporary stent having a distal end and a proximal end is tapered and attached to the catheter at the proximal end. The temporary stent comprises helically braided thread members that expand radially outwardly to a maximum diameter in a resting state. The temporary stent terminates in discrete ends temporarily affixed to the graft at the distal end. A tubular sheath selectively and reversibly radially constrains the temporary stent. The sheath is configured to be longitudinally moveable relative the temporary stent to constrain and reconstrain the temporary stent when positioned over the temporary stent, and to release the temporary stent when withdrawn from over the temporary stent.

Abstract: An automated fluid control system for controlling fluid flow between a catheter, a saline supply, a contrast supply and an injector is disclosed. Pinch valves are provided in the saline input and output lines and contrast input and output lines. A controller is linked to the pinch valves to sequentially open and close the pinch valves during functions which include contrast injection and saline injection.

Abstract: Percutaneous treatment of aortic aneurysms and like vascular anomalies by an apparatus and method wherein the apparatus is delivered via catheter and comprises a sleeve with at least one peripheral conduit which is caused to assume an expanded, rigid configuration by the introduction of a chemical or mechanical hardening means, whereby the sleeve is caused to assume an open cylindrical configuration for fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: In an image gathering and display system, data is interpolated by gathering non-interpolated input data and formatting that data such that a user of the data can interpolate the data without requiring the image gathering and display system to perform the interpolation. A series of weighted randomly selected non-interpolated input data values are displayed to the user as a stream of non-interpolated output values, such that the user interpolates the series of non-interpolated output values.

Abstract: A method for treating a blood vessel in a wall forming a gastrointestinal tract of a body of a mammal. A solution is introduced from the gastrointestinal tract into the vessel. A nonbiodegradable solid is formed in the vessel from the solution to create an occlusion in the vessel and thus terminate blood flow to the vessel distal of the occlusion.

Abstract: A disposable high-density, optically readable polydeoxynucleotide array with integral fluorescence excitation and fluorescence emission channels is described. The compact array size allows integration into several types of interventional devices such as catheters, guidewires, needles, and trocars and may be used intraoperatively. Highly sensitive monitoring of the metabolic and disease pathways of cells in vivo under varying chemical, genetic, and environmental conditions is afforded.

Abstract: An imaging catheter which is constructed to be inserted into a guiding catheter having a small outer diameter, such as 5 French, such that a standard guidewire and imaging catheter are simultaneously translatable through a lumen of the guiding catheter. The imaging catheter includes an elongated tubular member and a cover tube made from materials which allow the outer diameter of the imaging catheter to be reduced sufficiently to fit within the small guiding catheter without sacrificing imaging quality.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a medical device with a visual indicator that changes color when exposed to a particular environment and/or chemical. The visual indicator may be printed or otherwise affixed on a portion of a medical device, for example the handle, and initially have the same color as that portion. When exposed to a particular environment and/or chemical, the visual indicator changes color so that it has a different color than that portion of the medical device.

Abstract: There is described a bio-compatible aqueous slurry for forming a fluid-tight barrier on a surface of a porous implantable article. This aqueous slurry includes a self-aggregating protein comminutate having a substantially uniform particle size, a bio-compatible plasticizer and water. This aqueous slurry is further characterized by having a viscosity of about 8,000 centipoise to about 60,000 centipoise at 25° C. and a pH sufficient to maintain the protein suspended in the slurry.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a system for rotatably coupling a shaft to a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to a housing that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. In another aspect, the invention provides a shaft coupling system for connecting a proximal end of an endoscope shaft to a housing without the use of adhesive or epoxies.

Abstract: A method for deployment of a multi-part endoluminal device includes deploying a first portion of the device sequentially from its distal end to its proximal end, then deploying a second portion of the device sequentially from its proximal end to its distal end so that its distal end overlaps the first portion proximal end. The system for deploying the endoluminal device includes a first introducer loaded with a first endoluminal device and adapted to deploy the first device sequentially from the distal end to the proximal end, and a second introducer loaded with a second endoluminal device and adapted to anchor the second endoluminal device proximal end while deploying the second endoluminal device sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: A connection joint (20) is described that is formed by inserting a plastic connector (10) into the end of a silicone tube (14). The connector includes a plurality of barbs (12). A reinforcing agent (16) is placed between each of the barbs (12) of the connector (10). An adhesive (18) is injected between the tube (14), the reinforcing agents (16) and the connector (10). The adhesive (18) is then cured at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time in order to solidify the connection joint (20).

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary placement of a filter in a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter delivery system in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a catheter having an elongate shaft and a tubular member disposed within a shaft lumen defined by the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft also includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a wall defining the shaft lumen. The tubular member has a first end fixed to the wall of the elongate shaft, and a second end disposed within the shaft lumen. The tubular member defines a guidewire lumen that is in fluid communication with a distal guidewire port defined by the second end of the tubular member. The catheter also includes a proximal guidewire port extending through the wall of the elongate shaft. A filter may be disposed within a distal portion of the shaft lumen. A distal end of a guidewire is fixed to the filter.

Abstract: A filter retrieval device having an actuatable dilator tip for retrieval of an intravascular filter from a body lumen is disclosed. An outer shaft coupled to a distal sheath is advanced along a filter wire to desired point within the vasculature. An intravascular filter such as a distal protection filter can be advanced along the filter wire to a point distal a lesion to collect debris dislodged during a medical procedure. Disposable in part within the distal sheath is an actuatable dilator tip adapted to retrieve the filter at least in part within the distal sheath. Actuation of the dilator tip may be accomplished by any number of means, including a resilient member such as a spring coil, or by a reduced inner diameter portion disposed on the distal sheath adapted to engage a plurality of recessed surfaces disposed on the dilator tip.

Abstract: Ablation probes are provided for perfusing the tissue, while the tissue is ablated. The ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft and an ablative element, such as a needle electrode. The ablation probe further comprises a lumen that extends through the probe shaft, which will be used to deliver an fluid to the distal end of the probe shaft for perfusion into the surrounding tissue. The ablation probe further comprises a porous structure that is associated with the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the lumen. For example, the distal end of the shaft, or the entirety of the shaft, can be composed of the porous structure. Or, if the ablative element is an electrode, the electrode can be composed of the porous structure. Because the pores within the porous structure are pervasive, the fluid will freely flow out into the tissue notwithstanding that some of the pores may become clogged.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters.

Abstract: A filter retrieval device having an actuatable dilator tip for retrieval of an intravascular filter from a body lumen is disclosed. An outer shaft coupled to a distal sheath is advanced along a filter wire to desired point within the vasculature. An intravascular filter such as a distal protection filter can be advanced along the filter wire to a point distal a lesion to collect debris dislodged during a medical procedure. Disposable in part within the distal sheath is an actuatable dilator tip adapted to retrieve the filter at least in part within the distal sheath. Actuation of the dilator tip may be accomplished by any number of means, including a resilient member such as a spring coil, or by a reduced inner diameter portion disposed on the distal sheath adapted to engage a plurality of recessed surfaces disposed on the dilator tip.