Abstract: A percutaneous pumping system for providing hemodynamic support to a patient includes a pumping sleeve that defines a lumen extending along the length of the pumping sleeve. The pumping sleeve is configured and arranged for insertion into patient vasculature. At least one rotatable magnet is disposed in the pumping sleeve. The at least one first magnet is configured and arranged to be driven to rotate by a magnetic field generated external to the pumping sleeve. At least one impeller is coupled to the at least one magnet. Rotation of the at least one magnet causes a corresponding rotation of the at least one impeller. An anchoring arrangement is coupled to the pumping sleeve. The anchoring arrangement is configured and arranged to anchor the pumping sleeve at a target pumping location when the pumping sleeve is inserted into patient vasculature.

Abstract: A filtering device includes a filter that captures embolic material, a plurality of biased support struts that expand outwardly to deploy the filter, and a restraining mechanism. The restraining mechanism applies a restraining force that prevents the plurality of biased support struts from expanding outwardly to deploy the filter and includes a sleeve with one or more sleeve support bands biased to expand from a first position to a second position. An actuating member cooperates with a portion of the restraining mechanism to allow the sleeve support band to expand and release the restraining force.

Abstract: Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The endoluminal device includes a tissue fastener, a flexible needle having means for grasping and releasing a portion of the tissue fastener, and a deflector for deflecting and guiding the needle toward the multiple tissue layers.

Abstract: A vascular graft includes a vessel structure having outer and inner wall surfaces. The vessel structure has outer and inner transverse dimensions. The vascular graft includes a fold structure which is integral with the vessel structure. The fold structure extends from the outer or inner wall surface of the vessel structure for altering the inner or outer transverse dimension thereof. A method for making the vascular graft facilitates formation of the fold structure.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide for fast and accurate image segmentation through the application of a multi-stage classifier to an image data set. An image processing system is provided having a processor configured to apply a multi-stage classifier to the image data set to identify a distinctive region. The, multi-stage classifier can include two or more component classifiers. The first component classifier can have a sensitivity level configured to identify one or more target regions in the image data set and the second component classifier can have a specificity level configured to confirm the presence of the distinctive region in any identified target regions. Also provided is a classification array having multiple multi-stage classifiers for identification and confirmation of more than one distinctive region or for the application of different classification configurations to the image data set to identify a specific distinctive region.

Abstract: A device for providing a fluid to a target tissue region of a body vessel is described. The device includes an elongate member having a lumen to receive a fluid, and a structure deployable from a distal portion of the elongate member to channel blood flowing in the vessel. Also described are a method of, and a system for, providing a fluid to a target tissue region inside a body.

Abstract: Embolization, as well as related particles and methods, are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the formation of a medical device that comprises a therapeutic agent and a release region, which regulates the rate at which the therapeutic agent is released from the medical device. The method comprises providing a precursor region that comprises a polymer composition comprising two or more microphase separated polymer domains that are immiscible with one another, and forming said release region by a process that comprises applying an orienting field comprising an electric field, a magnetic field, a mechanical shear field, or a solvent gradient field, or a combination of two or more fields to said precursor region, wherein said field or combination of fields changes the spatial orientation of the microphase separated polymer domains within the release region. The electric, magnetic, mechanical shear or solvent gradient field is of sufficient strength to change the spatial orientation of the microphase separated domains.

Abstract: Medical balloons are described that have modified regions that enhance folding of the balloon.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: Polymer insulators and methods of using polymer insulators are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes separating a first portion of a subject's tissue from a second portion of the subject's tissue so that there is a space between the first and second portions of tissue. Deionized water, a buffered saline solution, liquid polymers, gels, particles, foams, and/or gases are disposed between the first and second portions of tissue, and the first portion of tissue is exposed to energy to treat the first portion of tissue.

Abstract: Expandable intraluminal stents are provided as well their method of manufacture. These stents are made of metal, the metal characterized by a desired porosity, with a drug compressed into the pores of the stent. The stents are formed by subjecting one or more powdered metals in a die cavity to a pressure treatment followed by a heat treatment. The metal may be cast directly in a stent-like form or cast into sheets or tubes from which the inventive stents are produced. The so-formed porous metal stent is then loaded with one or more drugs.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, implantable and insertable medical devices are provided, which contain one or more polymeric regions. In one aspect, the polymeric regions comprise (a) a block copolymer that comprises a polyaromatic block and a polyalkene block admixed with (b) a sulfonated high Tg polymer. In another aspect, the polymeric regions comprise a block copolymer that comprises (a) a sulfonated polymer block and (b) fluorinated polymer block.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering of a sling assembly and removal of the sleeve at least partially enclosing the sling through a single orifice of incision are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device system includes an elongated body with a distal end that is configured and arranged for insertion into a patient. A housing is disposed in the distal end of the body. A rotatable magnet is disposed in the housing. At least one magnetic field winding is configured and arranged to generate a magnetic field at the location of the magnet. The magnetic field causes rotation of the magnet at a target frequency. An array of magnetic field sensors is disposed external to the patient. The magnetic field sensors are configured and arranged to sense the location and orientation of the magnet in relation to the array of magnetic field sensors.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. The medical device can include a composite cover formed of a deposited metallic film. The cover may include one or more filaments, e.g., wires, which cooperate with the film to provide desirable mechanical properties. The wires may be integrated with the film by depositing the film over the wires.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a target tissue region (e.g., malignant tissue) is provided. A hyperthermic probe is placed into contact with the target tissue region, and the target tissue region is exposed to a therapeutic x-ray radiation beam. The probe is operated to increase the temperature of the target tissue region, thereby facilitating a therapeutic effect of the radiation beam. Image data of the probe containing a fiducial datum is acquired while in contact with the target tissue region, a position of the target tissue region within a treatment coordinate system is determined based on the fiducial datum, and the radiation beam is spatially adjusted relative to the target tissue region based on the determined position of the target tissue region.

Abstract: A tissue ablation device includes an array of elongate electrodes configured to be deployed in tissue, wherein the deployed electrode array defines a tissue ablation region, an inflatable balloon configured to be deployed in tissue, and a coupler securing the balloon relative to the one or more elongate electrodes, wherein the balloon, when inflated, is configured to apply a force to tissue located in the tissue ablation region. An ablation device includes a first array of electrodes, a second array of electrodes, a first inflatable balloon, and a coupler securing the first balloon relative to the first and second electrode arrays. A method of ablating tissue includes positioning an array of elongate electrodes and an inflatable balloon proximate tissue to be ablated, inflating the balloon to compress a tissue region located between the balloon and the electrode array, and energizing the electrode array to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for insertion of medical devices is disclosed. One embodiment includes an access tube with a retention portion disposed at a distal end. The retention portion is reconfigurable between first and second configurations of reduced and increased lateral extent. A trocar can be movably disposed within the access tube, which can be movably disposed within an overtube. One method of the invention includes inserting the trocar and access tube through a patient's body wall where the retention portion is configured from a reduced to an increased lateral extent. An overtube can be inserted around the access tube through the body wall where the retention portion can be received through a slot defined by the overtube. The retention portion can be returned to reduced lateral extent. The access tube can be removed and the medical device can be inserted within the overtube.

Abstract: A filter device positionable within a blood vessel for trapping emboli in the vessel, the filter device having a head and a plurality of divergent legs each secured at a first end to the head; each leg having one or more hooks at a second end. The hooks can include an expandable and contractible sleeve or hook that provides securing means for the legs and which also allows for easy removal of the filter device.