Abstract: According to aspects described herein, there is disclosed an improved hot balloon catheter delivery system for shape memory tubular stents. An outer sheath is provided on the delivery system that facilitates stent placement on a balloon during delivery through an endoscope. In one embodiment, the stent may be positioned between radiopaque markers/electrodes and the balloon may be heated. The stent may be prevented from moving proximally relative to the catheter as the delivery system is tracked through the patient's anatomical passageways. The outer sheath may be positioned to ride over the proximal cone of the hot balloon catheter and abut the proximal end of the stent to facilitate proper alignment of the balloon for deployment. Upon deployment of the stent in an appropriate position, the sheath may be pulled away from the stent to expose the proximal cone of the balloon and thereby allow balloon and stent expansion.

Abstract: Inflatable multi-chambered devices are provided for repairing or replacing spinal discs and distracting neighboring vertebral elements. Also included are cushioning devices that may be used in a joint replacement device cushioning system. Further included are kits and systems that include such devices, methods for making such devices, and methods of treating patients in need of such devices. Examples further include cosmetic augmentation and restoration devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system. The access route is through the inferior vena cava to the right atrium, where a trans-septal puncture, followed by advancement of the catheter is completed. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement through the atrial septum into the left atrium. The distal end of the sheath is expanded using a radial dilator. In one application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure such as electrophysiological mapping of the heart, radio-frequency ablation of left atrial tissue, placement of atrial implants, valve repair, or the like.

Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a stent device that is expandable from a radially reduced, delivery configuration to a radially expanded, deployed configuration. A retaining sheath is disposed over the stent device for maintaining the stent device in the delivery configuration. A pull line to be pulled upon is provided to retract the retaining sheath in a rolling manner such that the retaining sheath is folded back on itself to provide a radially inner sheath of the retaining sheath, a radially outer sheath of the retaining sheath and a fold portion therebetween. The retaining sheath may be made of a cold drawn plastic at least along the path of travel of the fold portion in retracting the retaining sheath from over the stent device.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a novel medical device and method of use, employing a unique shape that allows the device to use the lesser (inferior) curve of aortic Arch as a fulcrum of support for a guide catheter, for subsequent prevention of recoil and displacement thereof, while delivering additional catheters or devices into the distal branches of the great vessels. A method for using same.

Abstract: A teat including at least a shaft and a nipple, wherein structured surface areas are provided at least in a partial region thereof, and the structured surface areas are formed by at least one rough surface zone having a surface roughness of 100 ?m at the most, or 50 ?m at the most.