Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold has a pattern including an asymmetric closed cell connecting links connecting the closed cells.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold has a pattern including an asymmetric closed cell connecting links connecting the closed cells.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for evaluating medical device performance are provided. A corresponding method may include deploying an implantable medical device into an apparatus for evaluating performance of an implantable medical device. The apparatus may include a support structure and simulated tissue operatively associated with the support structure. The method may further include manipulating the support structure and/or the simulated tissue to simulate physiological forces on the implantable device.

Abstract: A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold, after being deployed by the balloon, provides a crush recovery of about 90% after the diameter of the scaffold has been pinched or crushed by 50%. The scaffold has a pattern including an asymmetric closed cell connecting links connecting the closed cells.

Abstract: A method for imaging an implantable device is described. The method may include positioning an implantable device within a patient. Ultrasonic energy may be transmitted toward the implantable device. The returning ultrasonic energy may be analyzed to determine a first characteristic of the implantable device. A method for manufacturing an implantable device is also described. The method may include selecting a first size dimension for a plurality of ultrasonically visible portions. The method may further include selecting a first spacing dimension for the plurality of ultrasonically visible portions. An implantable device may be formed. The plurality of ultrasonically visible portions may be formed into the first outer surface. An implantable device is also described. The implantable device may include a first outer surface. The first outer surface may include a first ultrasonically visible portion having a first size dimension.

Abstract: A method and a device for inductive radiofrequency welding of metal products, include heating by inducing radiofrequency currents with use of at least one induction conductor. The metal products and a welding zone are moved relative to one another, so that edge regions of the metal products to be welded are brought in contact in the welding zone and are welded together to form a weld seam. Metal products with different material thicknesses and/or material properties can be welded together because an induction conductor which heats the edge regions of the metal products is used which includes at least two mutually separable induction conductor components that are assigned to the respective metal product and are adapted thereto, and the edge regions to be welded are heated in a manner that is adjusted separately for the respective metal product.

Abstract: A transversal field heating installation for inductively heating flat objects transported in an advancing direction includes at least one inductor unit that extends across the width of the flat object. The inductor unit has at least two superimposed inductor layers parallel to the plane of the flat object. These inductor layers can be independently displaced transversally in relation to the advancing direction of the flat object, and each have two inductor sections with two parallel interspaced base limbs extending transversally in relation to the advancing direction and one lateral limb. Each inductor layer has lateral limb per strip edge of the flat object. The inductor sections of an inductor layer can be independently displaced transversally in relation to the advancing direction of the flat object.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for evaluating medical device performance are provided. A corresponding method may include deploying an implantable medical device into an apparatus for evaluating performance of an implantable medical device. The apparatus may include a support structure and simulated tissue operatively associated with the support structure. The method may further include manipulating the support structure and/or the simulated tissue to simulate physiological forces on the implantable device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly configured for retrieval of medical devices from vasculature. The catheter includes an outer catheter and an inner catheter. The inner and/or outer catheter can include a tapered terminal end portion. A mandrel can be provided to facilitate advancement of the assembly within vasculature.

Abstract: An expandable stent has larger cells located at the distal end of the stent than in the body portion so that a catheter balloon can more easily protrude into the cells to increase stent retention relative to the balloon. The intravascular stent has a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by links, the spacing of which is a factor in defining the cell size. The stent can be compressed or crimped onto a balloon catheter to a very low profile and maintain a high degree of stent retention due to increased spacing between rings in the region of the distal end ring.

Abstract: An embolic protection recovery catheter assembly configured for retrieval of medical devices from vasculature. The catheter includes a distal end portion adapted for effectively retrieving devices. In one aspect, the distal end portion is collapsible and in another aspect it is expandable. In other aspects, the catheter includes sub-structure supporting the distal tip or a tear-away tip configured to aid in the recovery process.

Abstract: A guide wire locking mechanism for a catheter system includes a motion-limiting component adapted to contact a portion of a guide wire and limit the direction of motion that the guide wire can slide therethrough. The motion-limiting component allows the guide wire to slide in one direction when placed in the locking mechanism but prevents the guide wire from moving in the opposite direction. The motion-limiting component can be made from a row of movable teeth having contact surfaces or faces which come in contact with a portion of the guide wire. The teeth are bendable to allow the guide wire to move in one direction but will tighten against the guide wire if one attempts to move the guide wire in an opposite direction. The guide wire locking mechanism can be used with a recovery sheath that can be advanced over the guide wire to collapse an expandable filtering portion mounted on a guide wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transversal field heating installation (1) for inductively heating flat objects (5) that can be transported in an advancing direction (V), said installation comprising at least one inductor unit (2) extending transversally in relation to the advancing direction (V) over the width of the flat object (5).

Abstract: A catheter assembly configured for retrieval of medical devices from vasculature. The catheter includes an outer catheter and an inner catheter. The inner and/or outer catheter can include a tapered terminal end portion. A mandrel can be provided to facilitate advancement of the assembly within vasculature.