Abstract: Provided is a method for the treatment of blood vessel occlusions, comprising the localized anchoring of a catheter during the procedure by temporarily adhering its tip to the occlusion treatment site using a vacuum. Also provided is a catheter with a vacuum anchoring tip controlled by an externally generated vacuum, a catheter with a vacuum anchoring tip controlled by a self-generated vacuum, and a catheter with a vacuum anchoring tip in which the vacuum is controlled by an electronic signal. The localized anchoring method utilizes a vacuum to secure the tip of the catheter in place while allowing a free passage for the wire or dedicated occlusion penetrating device, and thereby frees the operator from constantly monitoring the tip position and pushing the catheter to support the advancement of the wire.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for compressing a stent or a stent with a prosthetic heart valve affixed thereto, as well as a method for loading a stent into a medical delivery system. The device may comprise a compressing mechanism designed so as to exert a compressive force in radial direction on at least parts of a stent accommodated within the compressing mechanism such that the cross-section of the stent is reduced to a predefinable value at least at certain areas. The device may further comprise a manipulating mechanism moveable relative to the compressing mechanism for moving at least one clamping means in the radial direction in order to adjust the internal cross-sectional diameter of the compressing mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1a-1d) for compressing a stent (100) or a stent (100) with a prosthetic heart valve affixed thereto. The invention further relates to a system as well as a method for loading a stent (100) into a medical delivery system. The device (1a-1d) according to the invention comprises a compressing mechanism (10a-10d), within which a stent (100) to be compressed can be at least partly accommodated, wherein the compressing mechanism (10a-10d) comprises externally-manipulatable clamping means (50; 70.1-70.n; 90.1-90.n; 110.1-110.n) and is designed so as to exert a compressive force in radial direction on at least parts of a stent (100) accommodated within the compressing mechanism (10a-10d) such that the cross-section of the stent (100) is reduced to a predefinable value at least at certain areas. The inventive device (1a-1d) further comprises a manipulating mechanism (40a-40d) for manipulating the at least one clamping means (50; 70.1-70.n; 90.1-90.n; 110.1-110.

Abstract: A method for treatment of a vascular bifurcation, where a second blood vessel (22) branches from a first blood vessel (24), the first and second blood vessels having characteristic first and second diameters such that the first diameter is greater than the second diameter. The method includes introducing a balloon (30) in the first blood vessel into proximity to the vascular bifurcation. The balloon includes an inner part (32) and a collar (34) proximal to the inner part. The collar is inflated so that the collar expands to an expanded diameter greater than the second diameter but less than an outer diameter of an ostial funnel (26) of the second blood vessel. The balloon is advanced into the second blood vessel so that the inflated collar lodges within the ostial funnel. While the inflated collar is lodged within the ostial funnel, the inner part of the balloon is inflated so as to treat the second blood vessel.

Abstract: A stent (22) for the treatment of a vascular bifurcation includes a distal member (40) and a proximal member (42), the distal member and the proximal member comprising tubular bodies, the distal member comprising first struts (64, 66) oriented in the proximal direction and the proximal member including second struts (54, 56) oriented in the distal direction, such that at least one of the first struts is connected to at least one of the second struts on a first side of the stent (46), while on a second side (48) of the stent, opposite the first side, one or more of the first struts are unconnected to any of the second struts and one or more of the second struts are unconnected to any of the first struts.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of a vascular bifurcation, where a first blood vessel (24) meets a second blood vessel (26). The apparatus includes a balloon (40, 90) for deployment at the vascular bifurcation. The balloon includes a first part (42, 94), which has a first inflation characteristic and is adapted to be deployed in the first blood vessel, and a second part (44, 92), which has a second inflation characteristic, different from the first inflation characteristic, and is adapted to be deployed in the second blood vessel.

Abstract: A controlled attenuation bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to a substrate. The bonding tool comprises a first cylindrical section having a substantially uniform first diameter; a second cylindrical section having a first end coupled to an end of the first cylindrical section, the second cylindrical section having a substantially uniform second diameter less than the first diameter; and a third section having a predetermined taper, a first end of the third section coupled to an end of the second cylindrical section.

Abstract: A controlled attenuation bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to a substrate. The bonding tool comprises a first cylindrical section having a substantially uniform first diameter and a second cylindrical section with a substantially uniform second diameter less than the first diameter. The second cylindrical section is coupled to an end of the first cylindrical section and has a planar area along at least a portion of a length of the second section.

Abstract: A controlled attenuation bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to a substrate. The bonding tool comprises a first cylindrical section having a substantially uniform first diameter and a second cylindrical section with a substantially uniform second diameter less than the first diameter. The second cylindrical section is coupled to an end of the first cylindrical section and has a planar area along at least a portion of a length of the second section.

Abstract: A controlled attenuation bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to a substrate. The bonding tool comprises a first cylindrical section having a substantially uniform first diameter; a second cylindrical section having a first end coupled to an end of the first cylindrical section, the second cylindrical section having a substantially uniform second diameter less than the first diameter; and a third section having a predetermined taper, a first end of the third section coupled to an end of the second cylindrical section.

Abstract: A bonding tool for bonding a fine wire to a substrate. The bonding tool comprises a first cylindrical section having a first diameter; a second cylindrical section coupled to an end of the first cylindrical section, the second cylindrical section having a second diameter less than the first diameter; and a tapered section coupled to an end of the second cylindrical section.