Abstract: An embolic protection filtering device and methods and making and using filtering devices. An example filtering device may include an elongate shaft or filter wire, a filter coupled to the filter wire, and a sheath. The methods for using the filtering device include using an introducer member to help back load a guidewire into the sheath and then advance the filtering device along the guidewire to a target region.

Abstract: A stent assembly comprises a proximal stent and a distal stent. Each stent has a tubular body defining a stent lumen and a circumference. A proximal flap extends from the distal end of the proximal stent and a distal flap extends from the proximal end of the distal stent. Each flap defines only a portion of the circumference. In an expanded state the proximal flap and the distal flap form a side branch support having a side branch support lumen. The side branch support lumen is in fluid communication with the stent lumen and has a longitudinal axis different from that of the stent lumen.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may configured to be more flexible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable medical devices and methods that employ these medical devices to treat heart valves. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided comprising a body. The body may have a portion thereof including therapeutic agent and can be configured to support the device proximate a heart valve. Methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may also include providing a medical device having a body with at least a portion thereof including a therapeutic agent. These methods may also include positioning the medical device in a location proximate to a downstream surface of the heart valve and securing the device. The therapeutic agent released may then be delivered to the heart valve.

Abstract: A method of constructing an articulation joint includes forming a metallic tube with a number of rings formed therein. Springs may be secured to the inside surface or outside surface of the rings to allow the joint to bend in directions transverse to the axis of the springs. A fixture may be used to hold the springs at the correct position within the tube and the springs may be urged toward the rings or vice versa to obtain a good bond between the springs and the rings.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering bone cement into a vertebra includes a cannula and a mix and delivery device pivotally coupled to the cannula. The mix and deliver provides a single device in which a flowable compound may be mixed and the dispensed into the vertebrae through the cannula. The mix and delivery device includes a piston, slidably disposed within a barrel of the device, for advancing the bone cement through an outlet communicating with the cannula. An actuating device, which exerts a pressure, is connected to an inlet on the mix and delivery device (either directly or through a tube). The pressure created by the actuating device is used to advance the piston within the mix and delivery device.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as catheters, including shape memory materials, are provided, as well as related methods of making and using such medical devices.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to systems, devices and methods for supporting an anatomical location using a self-supporting implantable device without a need for an anchor.

Abstract: The invention relates to multi-layer medical balloons. In one aspect, a medical device includes an inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon includes a first layer including a material having a first modulus of elasticity, and a second layer adjacent the first layer, the second layer including a material having a second modulus of elasticity that differs from the first modulus of elasticity by at least about 2,000 psi. A cutting element is carried by the balloon.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering and placing a surgical sling without resorting to an abdominal incision are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides implantable or insertable medical devices, which contain at least one polymeric region. The polymeric region contains at least one fluorocarbon-containing block copolymer, which, in turn, contains (a) at least one fluorocarbon-containing, low glass transition temperature (low Tg) copolymer chain and (b) at least one glass transition temperature (high Tg) polymer chain.

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: A tissue patch for treatment of a lesion in an alimentary tract of a patient includes a tissue implant having a top surface and a bottom surface. The tissue patch also includes a substrate completely surrounding the tissue implant such that the substrate forms a first layer on the top surface and a second layer on the bottom surface. At least one of the first and second layers contacts the respective top or bottom surface and is entirely bio-absorbable so that the tissue implant touches an area of the patient's tissue upon dissolving of the at least one of the first and second layers. The first layer has a first predetermined thickness and the second layer has a second predetermined thickness different from the first predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A medical stent provides an active agent to a patient's body while simultaneously maintaining an open passageway within the body of the patient. The stent includes a first segment, a second segment, a connecting segment disposed between the first and second segments, and the active agent. The active agent may be a hemostatic agent that stops or controls bleeding by coagulation, or any other medical drug, such as, for example an antibiotic or an anticoagulant. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter and the second segment is located on the other side. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: Catheters, balloons, and methods of manufacturing balloons for balloon catheters using lasers are disclosed. A catheter with a shaft sized for use with a 0.014 inch guide wire includes a polymeric balloon having a body portion with an inflated outer diameter of more than 6 millimeters. An inflatable balloon includes an inflated outer diameter to inner waist diameter ratio of 12.5 to 1. An inflatable polymeric balloon that has a body portion with two regions that have different molecular orientations is also provided. A method of processing an elongate polymeric material includes heating a portion of the polymeric material with a laser while longitudinally stretching the portion of the polymeric material. A method of manufacturing a balloon includes heating and longitudinally stretching a first and second portion of an elongate polymeric tube to form first and second end portion. The remaining body portion is radially expanded to form the balloon.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods associated with pressure sensing are described herein. In one or more embodiments, an intravascular pressure sensing device includes a magnetic sensing element fixedly positioned within a sensor tube, a magnet located a distance from the magnetic sensing element within the sensor tube, the magnet movably positioned within the sensor tube via a ferrofluid magnetically attached to the magnet, and an amount of compressible fluid sealed between the magnetic sensing element and the magnet.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis such as a stent is composed of a metal or ceramic, such as Irox, embedded in the stent material.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a gastrostomy feeding tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore, the distal end being shaped to include an internal bolster, the internal bolster having an anchoring state and a non-anchoring state. A suture extends from the internal bolster through the longitudinal bore to exit the tube at its proximal end, proximal displacement of the suture maintaining the internal bolster in its anchoring state. A protective sleeve made of a rigid material is removably insertable into the tube through its proximal end, the suture being inserted through the protective sleeve. The protective sleeve, when inserted into the tube, serves to protect the suture from being cut when the tube is cut to a desired length after having been implanted in a patient.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits detect and/or treat vulnerable plaque of a blood vessel. A temperature differential can be sensed along a lumen surface with temperature sensors on a balloon filled with warm gas. Treatment methods include controlled and safe cryogenic cooling of vulnerable plaque to inhibit release of retained fluid within the vulnerable plaque so as to inhibit acute coronary syndrome and to help maintain patency of a body lumen.

Abstract: An implantable medical device includes a bioerodible portion adapted to erode when exposed to a physiological environment. The bioerodible portion includes an alloy comprising at least 10 weight percent chromium and has an outer surface having a ratio of chromium oxide to chromium metal of less than 5. The bioerodible implantable medical device can be created by implanting metallic ions into an alloy including at least 10 weight percent chromium to define an outer surface of a medical implant, or precursor thereof.