Abstract: A transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) delivery system includes a sheath, a replacement valve assembly disposed within a distal end of the sheath, and a nose cone proximate the distal end of the sheath. A forward section of the nose cone is configured to facilitate passage of the nose cone through the heart valve. The rear section of the nose cone comprises an imager.

Abstract: An endoscopic procedure for the parasympathetic and sympathetic denervation of the nerves of the ovaries and uterus for management of endocrine dysphoric disorders. The tissues of selected inferior mesenteric and pelvic nerves are heated via introduction of radiofrequency energy at sufficient power and time to induce complete or partial nerve blockade while leaving the supporting tissue structurally intact. In some embodiments, the suspensory ligament of the ovary, the ovarian ligament, and/or the uterosacral ligament are heated to a range of 45° C. to 65° C. for a period of about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds.

Abstract: An imaging catheter includes a delivery lumen and an imaging array. The imaging catheter is sized to be inserted within an introducer sheath. The delivery lumen facilitates insertion of a therapeutic device. An imager is arranged on an outside surface of a distal end of the imaging catheter. The imager collapses the distal end of the imaging catheter when the imager is within the introducer sheath. The distal end of the imaging catheter is allowed to expand when the imager exits the introducer sheath to facilitate delivery of the therapeutic device to a therapy site.

Abstract: Medical devices comprising a tubular member are disclosed, where the tubular member can have thread members disposed on a distal portion of the tubular member. If the medical device encounters an occlusion, the medical device can be rotated, which can allow the thread members to engage and penetrate the occlusion, in some cases forming a pathway through the occlusion.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip constructions and/or designs including methods and techniques of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: Anchoring mechanisms for releasably securing an intravascular device along an elongated member such as a guidewire or catheter. The anchoring mechanism may include an object that can be actuated between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the unlocked position, the anchoring mechanism is slidably and rotationally disposed about the elongated member. In the locked position, the anchoring mechanism is releasably secured to the elongated member, preventing movement thereon. A placement mechanism such as a tubular member can be utilized to actuate the anchoring mechanism between the unlocked and locked positions.

Abstract: Elongate medical devices such as guidewires can be formed from a core wire and a preformed distal cap that is configured to fit over a distal end of the core wire. The distal cap can be attached using a variety of techniques. In particular, the distal cap can be attached to the core wire using laser welding.

Abstract: A medical device having a flexible distal tip. In some embodiments, a medical device includes a shaft and a distal tip. The distal tip can include an outer member having one or more balls disposed therein.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: A system for radio frequency (RF) wire guidance during RF occlusion canalization including a RF wire configured to travel through a blood vessel, an impedance measure unit configured to measure an electrical impedance between the RF wire and a reference electrode, a RF power source, an activation controller configured to connect the RF power source to the RF wire when the impedance measure unit indicates that the RF wire is contacting an occlusion material, a RF wire steering system; and a controller configured to activate the steering system to maintain the RF wire within the occlusion material based on impedance measured by the impedance measure unit.

Abstract: A method of treating an occluded blood vessel includes sensing the impedance at a plurality of locations around the circumference of the blood vessel at least two different frequencies to identify vascular occlusive material, and distinguish vascular occlusive material from the vessel wall.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: Embolic protection filters that retain embolic debris captured therein are disclosed. One embodiment of an embolic protection filter includes a filter frame disposable about a guidewire, a filter membrane for filtering embolic debris, and a valve configured to prevent the escape of filtered embolic debris. The valve may comprise a leaflet valve having a plurality of leaflets configured to engage each other about a coaptive region.

Abstract: Various systems for advancing medical devices within a subject's body are provided that configured to engage the outer surface of the medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device, to thereby grip the medical device for enabling advancement of the device. The advancing systems include engaging portions configured to engage the outer surface of a medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device. The engaging portions preferably engage opposing sides of the medical device's outer surface over a predetermined longitudinal length, to clamp against a longitudinal portion of the medical device that provides improved surface contact with the medical device over conventional roller guides. Various methods for performing medical procedures utilizing various medical devices and advancer systems are also provided.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: Embolic protection filtering devices and methods of making and using the same. The present invention may include an embolic protection filtering device including a filter cartridge that is slidable over medical devices, for example, guidewires. The filter cartridge may have a filter coupled thereto and may have desirable flexibility and trackability characteristics.

Abstract: Medical devices comprising a tubular member are disclosed, where the tubular member can have thread members disposed on a distal portion of the tubular member. If the medical device encounters an occlusion, the medical device can be rotated, which can allow the thread members to engage and penetrate the occlusion, in some cases forming a pathway through the occlusion.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip constructions and/or designs including methods and techniques of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip constructions and/or designs including methods and techniques of construction are also disclosed.