Abstract: An embolic protection filter having an improved filter frame and method of making the same. In at least some embodiments, the present invention includes an embolic protection filter coupled to an elongate shaft. The filter may include a filter frame assembly having one or more frame members. The frame members may include a filter mouth defining portion.

Abstract: A urethral prosthesis provides relief of urinary retention and has first and second tubular elements with an interposed bridge segment. A valve can be disposed in the second tubular element to control the flow of urine therethrough.

Abstract: A stent-graft comprising a stent and a graft having a supported portion lining or covering at least a portion of the stent, and an unsupported portion extending proximally beyond the proximal end of the stent. The stent-graft may have a length corresponding to at least a mean standard length from a standard incision point to a distal-most portion of a standard lumen into which the distal end of the stent is adapted to be deployed, with the unsupported portion of the graft extending beyond the mean standard length by an amount equal to at least two, if not three or more, standard deviations of the mean standard length. A method for deploying the stent-graft comprises making an incision in a wall of the lumen, introducing and deploying the stent-graft in the lumen so that the proximal end extends beyond the incision, and attaching the graft to a lumen by anastamosis.

Abstract: Cardiac assist sleeve and methods for using and making the cardiac assist sleeve that includes first elongate strips and second elongate strips of memory alloy that change shape to change a volume of cardiac assist sleeve.

Abstract: Medical devices can be positioned within a patient by use of apparatus and methods according to the invention. The apparatus and methods permit insertion of the medical devices into various locations of the patient's body without requiring removal and reinsertion of already-inserted medical devices. The apparatus and methods are typically used to place medical devices into a male patient's urinary system to treat a disease or condition. The medical devices can be cryoablation probes that are inserted into the prostate gland to treat prostate cancer, for example.

Abstract: A method of making an ePTFE tubular structure includes the steps of (a) forming a tube of polytetrafluoroethylene; (b) longitudinally stretching the polytetrafluoroethylene tube to form an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube, where the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube includes fibrils oriented in a longitudinal direction of the tube and nodes oriented in a circumferential direction of the tube; and (c) placing the expanded polytetrafluoroethylene tube circumferentially exterior to a longitudinal foreshortening and radially expanding mechanism, where radial pressure from the foreshortening mechanism radially expands the ePTFE tubular structure and reorients the fibrils non-longitudinally.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a main catheter branch and a side catheter branch. The main catheter branch includes first and second balloons. The side catheter branch is coupled to the second balloon. The side catheter branch can be coupled to the second balloon portion by passing through a pathway or receiver structure defined in the second balloon. The side catheter branch can also be coupled to the second balloon portion using a connector that connects the side catheter branch to a portion of the main catheter branch that carries the second balloon portion.

Abstract: Nanoparticle precursor structures, nanoparticle structures, and composite materials that include the nanoparticle structures in a polymer to form a composite material. The nanoparticle structures have chemical linkage moieties capable of forming non-covalent bonds with portions of a polymer for the composite material. Such composite materials are useful as biomaterials in medical devices.

Abstract: The anti-obesity diverter structure includes a laminate structure having papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied surfaces. The laminate structure is sized to fit longitudinally within a duodenum such that a transverse clearance is provided between the papilla-supplied surface and papilla of Vater. The laminate structure is secured within the duodenum to define papilla-supplied and pylorus-supplied lumens therein. The papilla-supplied lumen receives the digestive fluid from the papilla of Vater, and provides a conduit for the digestive fluid therein. The pylorus-supplied lumen receives the chyme from the pylorus and provides a conduit for the chyme therein. The laminate structure is impervious or semi-permeable to the chyme and digestive fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a therapeutic medical procedure that may include an elongate sheath having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface a distal end and a proximal end, the elongate sheath having a first lumen having a first cross-sectional area running from an first opening at the distal end to a first point proximal the distal end and a second lumen fluidly connected to the first lumen, the second lumen having a distal end at or proximal the first point and a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, the second lumen having a portion running generally along the elongate axis; and an elongate member having a first portion having a third cross-sectional area, a proximal end and a distal end and having a therapeutic device disposed on the elongate member proximate the distal end, the therapeutic device having a first configuration having a fourth cross-sectional area, wherein the elongate member is disposed in the first and second lumens and the distal protection device is disposed

Abstract: A delivery device for a catheter-sheath assembly includes an outer shaft having proximal and distal ends, an inner shaft having proximal and distal ends, and a rigid inner member disposed within the inner shaft. A catheter is secured to the rigid inner member and a sheath extends from the outer shaft, covering the catheter and a stent maintained on the distal end of the catheter. The outer shaft is directable from a first position to a second position to retract the distal end of the sheath with respect to the catheter to deploy a stent or other therapeutic or corrective element from within the sheath.

Abstract: A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve.

Abstract: A catheter inflatable member forming mold can include first and second frames that mate to define a mold cavity, the mold cavity defining a main cavity portion and a bulge cavity portion, the mold cavity being sized to receive an elongated tube member therein. The mold can also include a pin member with a head portion positioned in the mold cavity, the pin member extending into the mold cavity, the head portion of the pin member being moveable in a first direction to contact and move the tube member towards the bulge cavity portion of the mold cavity during molding.

Abstract: A stent delivery system deploys a stent having an inner periphery that defines an interior space extending lengthwise along at least a part of the stent and comprising at least one segment having relatively low column strength. The stent delivery system comprises a stabilizer which is disposed within the stent interior space and has a surface element adapted to engage the stent inner periphery in a region containing the low-column-strength segment. The surface element may comprise a sleeve or a coating having a high friction surface adapted to transmit adequate shear force to the stent to move the stent relative to the outer sheath upon deployment. Alternatively, or in addition, the surface element can include at least one radial protuberance. The protuberances may comprise rings of various cross-sections, axial lengths, or space sizes therebetween, or may be in the form of discrete barbs, bumps, or inflatable knobs arranged in a ringed configuration or helical pattern about the stabilizer.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for modulating the size of an implantable sling.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for altering the configuration of a heart valve. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a cord delivered into the heart by a delivery catheter that can be manipulated by a receiving catheter so as to improve the heart valve function.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides cryotherapy treatment of dissections in a blood vessel of a patient. The present invention further provides cryotherapy treatment of side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel. One method for treating potential or existing dissections in a blood vessel comprises cooling the blood vessel to a temperature and for a time sufficient to remodel the blood vessel such that dissections of the blood vessel are reduced. Another method for treating side branch occlusion in a bifurcated blood vessel, the bifurcated blood vessel having a side branch and a main branch, the main branch having plaque disposed thereon, comprises cooling an inner surface of the main branch to a temperature and for a time sufficient to inhibit plaque shift from the main branch into the side branch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable or insertable medical devices that treat uterine and urological conditions that cause chronic pelvic pain and other symptoms. In another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing such implantable or insertable medical devices.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing drug-coated medical devices having a porous coatings thereon. The pores are created by solid particle additives added to a mixture comprising a solvent, a drug, and a polymer to create a suspension, which is applied to the medical device. The method includes adding a surfactant to the mixture to prevent or decrease flocculation of the solid particle additives. Another method is provided that includes spraying a suspension on a medical device that comprises solid particle additives, a drug, and a polymer and analyzing the distribution of the solid particle additives in the suspension.