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 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.

Abstract: A medical probe assembly, tissue treatment system, and method are provided for ablating tissue. The probe assembly comprises an elongated member and electrode elements mechanically coupled to the distal end of the elongated member. The electrode elements are configurable as two bipolar electrode pairs with a common electrode element. At least one of the electrode elements comprises a plurality of electrodes (such as, e.g., needle electrodes) radially extendable from the elongated member. An ablation source, such as a radio frequency source, can be connected to the probe assembly in order to convey ablation energy to the electrode pairs, either simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a stent comprises a side branch structure defining an inner side branch cell. The inner side branch cell has a shape that is different from any other cell of the stent. The stent further comprises first and second support members, which are positioned on opposite sides of the side branch structure. The first and second support members each have a strut width that is greater than the width of a strut included in the side branch structure. The stent further comprises first and second connecting members, which are positioned on opposite ends of the side branch structure. Each connecting member is connected at one end to the first support member and is connected at the other end to the second support member. Each connecting member comprises a serpentine structure having a plurality of straight struts and turns. One or both of the connecting members includes at least one straight strut that has a length that is at least ten times its width.

Abstract: Tissue ablation probes and methods for treating tissue are provided. The tissue ablation probe comprises an elongated probe shaft, at least one electrode carried by the distal end of the probe shaft, and a pharmaceutical agent carried by the probe shaft. The pharmaceutical agent may be disposed on the electrode(s), the probe shaft, or a releasable portion associated with the electrode or the probe shaft. A method for treating tissue comprises introducing a tissue ablation probe to a tissue site, operating the tissue ablation probe to ablate tissue at the tissue site, and releasing a pharmaceutical agent from the tissue ablation probe at the tissue site.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of interconnected framework members defining a plurality of cells. A portion of the interconnected framework members comprise a side branch structure defining an inner side branch cell that is shaped differently than other cells of the stent. The side branch structure comprises a first serpentine ring extending around the inner side branch cell. The first serpentine ring comprises alternating inner turns and outer turns connected by straight struts. The inner turns are distributed around a reference circle centered upon a side branch center point. The side branch structure further comprises a second serpentine ring extending around the first serpentine ring. The second serpentine ring comprises alternating inner turns and outer turns connected by straight struts. The second serpentine ring has the same number of inner turns and outer turns as the first serpentine ring.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends, and an array of delivery tubes at least partially disposed within the lumen, each of the delivery tube having a lumen, wherein each of the delivery tubes is slidable relative to the cannula, and has a first configuration when inside the lumen, and a second configuration when outside the lumen. A system for treating tissue includes a treatment device having a distal end, and an indexing device for controlling a longitudinal position of the distal end of the treatment device relative to a target tissue region, the indexing device having a tubular portion for receiving the treatment device.

Abstract: A dedicated distal protection guidewire having proximal and distal stops disposed about an elongated core wire is disclosed. A guidewire in accordance with the present invention includes an elongated core wire having a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section, a distal stop disposed about a portion of the elongated core wire, and a proximal stop disposed about a portion of the elongated core wire proximal the distal stop. The distal stop may be formed from an enlarged outer diameter portion on the elongated core wire, or may be formed from an object disposed about and secured to a portion of the elongated core wire. The proximal stop may include an O-ring disposed within a recessed surface on the elongated core wire, or an annular ring having several circumferentially disposed notches.

Abstract: A medical device for capturing emboli from a blood vessel. An example medical device may include an elongated guide member. The elongated guide member may include a proximal end, a distal end, a first conductive lead, and a second conductive lead. The medical device may also include a power source connected to the first conductive lead and the second conductive lead. The medical device may also have a filter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is coupled to the first and second conductive leads. The activation of the power source may transition the filter from a first compressed shape to a second expanded shape.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an embolic filter and a support structure therefor.

Abstract: A medical device includes a catheter having a catheter shaft, a sheath and a rolling membrane. The sheath is being disposed about the catheter shaft and is longitudinally moveable relative thereto. A distal portion of the sheath defines a stent retaining region. The sheath is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein in the extended position the retaining region is disposed about a stent receiving region of the catheter shaft, and in the retracted position the sheath is removed from the stent receiving region. End regions of the rolling membrane are respectively engaged to a distal end of the sheath and a portion of the shaft proximal to the stent receiving region respectively.

Abstract: An imaging assembly for use in a medical imaging device such as an endoscope or the like. In one embodiment, the imaging assembly includes a transparent distal cap that is shaped to receive an image sensor insert. The image sensor insert has a cooling channel that supplies a cooling liquid or gas to one or more illumination sources.

Abstract: A stent-graft is provided for defining a prosthetic fluid passage within a body lumen. The stent-graft includes a graft having a forward section, and a pilot stent located within the forward section of the graft. The pilot stent has an expanded diameter less than that of a lumen in which it is to be deployed to permit fluid flow within the lumen during deployment of the stent-graft. Means are provided for subsequently expanding the pilot stent and the graft to the full diameter of the lumen.

Abstract: Endoprostheses (e.g., stents) containing adjustable surfaces are disclosed.

Abstract: A high performance coil over-core guide wire. The guide wire incorporates a nickel-titanium core with a stainless steel coil to provide a wire with improved kink resistance and good pushability.

Abstract: An endoluminal device for deployment in a body lumen includes a radially expandable stent, a graft attached to the stent, and a plurality of indicator members affixed to the graft and adapted to form a normal pattern in response to a normal pressure differential and an abnormal pattern in response to an abnormal pressure differential across the graft. By forming different patterns at different pressure differentials, the indicator members enable the detection of a change in pressure which could be evidence of a leak. A system for detecting a change in pressure differential includes the endoluminal device and an imaging system for displaying the indicator members. A method for detecting a change in pressure includes the steps of identifying the normal pattern, implanting the device, imaging the indicator members, and comparing the imaged pattern with the normal pattern to determine whether the normal pressure or an abnormal pressure differential exists.

Abstract: Composite catheter braids can be formed from a plurality of filaments, some of which can include significant amounts of molybdenum. Filaments including stainless steel and other materials can be used in combination with filaments including molybdenum. Individual filaments can be composed of single metals, or can represent alloys. Composite catheter braids can be employed in intravascular catheters.

Abstract: A filing system includes a housing having vertical sides and at least one horizontal member extending therebetween. A vertical side define a Y-axis, and a horizontal member defines an X-axis. The vertical sides define the depth of the housing. Along the Y-axis are positioned a plurality of labels. At least one tracking marker is positioned along the X-axis. A plurality of file supports are positioned between the vertical sides. Each file support is vertically positioned along the Y-axis to correspond to one of the plurality of labels. At least one of the file supports is incorporated into a pivotable frame. The frame comprises side supports and a file support therebetween. Each side support is pivotably engaged to a vertical side of the housing.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices. The medical devices include an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a connector assembly disposed adjacent the elongated member to connect the proximal and distal portions, the connector assembly including a radiopaque marker.

Abstract: A stent has a main body, which has a circumference that defines a primary lumen and longitudinal axis, which extends therethrough. A first region of the main body comprises at least one band disposed circumferentially about the longitudinal axis. A second region of the main body comprises a plurality of interconnected rings concentrically disposed about a side branch opening. An outermost ring extends fully about the circumference of the main body. Each of the rings consist of two longitudinally oriented elements and two circumferentially extending elements.