Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, an embolic protection device is provided comprising an elongate element having a deflector at its distal end. The embolic protection device is generally configured to redirect and/or funnel embolic debris and permit at least a portion of the blood, no longer containing the redirected and/or funneled embolic debris, to perfuse the surrounding vasculature and/or tissue.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for a pivoting ring that can be used as a seal for an inflatable member. The pivoting ring seal offers a mechanical action which acts to tighten with increasing inflation and/or expansion of an inflatable member. As the inflatable member increases in pressure and/or size, one side of the ring is lifted and pivots around a fulcrum in the middle of the ring seal causing the opposite side of the ring seal to decrease in diameter. The pivot ring causes the opposite part of the seal to tighten about an inner member allowing for a higher-pressure seal. In addition to a higher pressure seal, the working length of the inflatable member can be adjusted by moving the ring along the length of the inflatable member.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include devices and methods directed toward creating reverse flow within a vessel and thereby providing protection against embolic debris. Embodiments comprise a catheter and a plurality of occluders that are expandable and adjustable within a lumen to create low-pressure areas that reroute blood flow and embolic debris therein.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for a pivoting ring that can be used as a seal for an inflatable member. The pivoting ring seal offers a mechanical action which acts to tighten with increasing inflation and/or expansion of an inflatable member. As the inflatable member increases in pressure and/or size, one side of the ring is lifted and pivots around a fulcrum in the middle of the ring seal causing the opposite side of the ring seal to decrease in diameter. The pivot ring causes the opposite part of the seal to tighten about an inner member allowing for a higher-pressure seal. In addition to a higher pressure seal, the working length of the inflatable member can be adjusted by moving the ring along the length of the inflatable member.

Abstract: Novel cerebral vasculature devices are disclosed, including thrombectomy removal devices that include a continuous braided structure, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first expandable portion located between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The braided structure includes a plurality of wires. The proximal portion and the distal portion include polymer imbedded at least partially into the braided structure. The device is useful for removing thrombus from a patient's vasculature.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a semi-compliant to non-compliant, conformable balloon useful in medical applications. Conformable balloons of the present disclosure exhibit a low or insignificant straightening force when in a curved configuration and at inflation pressures greater than 4 atm. Balloons of the present disclosure are constructed of material that can compress along an inner length when the balloon is in a curved configuration. In further embodiments, balloons of the present disclosure can be constructed of material that sufficiently elongates along an outer arc when the balloon is in a curved configuration. As a result, medical balloons, in accordance with the present disclosure, when inflated in a curved configuration, exhibit kink-free configurations and do not cause a significant degree of vessel straightening.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward devices, systems and methods that reduce stress being exerted directly onto balloon seals.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an endovascular catheter that can be inserted within tortuous body anatomies and then selectively stiffened and fixed in place. In a particular embodiment, this stiffness is reversible. The stiffness or a comparable mechanical characteristic of the catheter assembly may be adjusted to a relatively low value during insertion (so that it easily navigates a guide wire or the like), and then subsequently adjusted to a relatively high value in situ to keep the catheter assembly substantially fixed in place (i.e., during delivery of an interventional device).

Abstract: A balloon or balloon cover comprising a composite material having a least one expanded fluoropolymer material and an elastomer is provided. The expanded fluoropolymer material can contain serpentine fibrils. In exemplary embodiments, the fluoropolymer is polytetrafluoroethylene. The composite material may be axially, helically, and/or circumferentially wrapped to form a balloon or balloon cover. The balloon or balloon cover exhibits a sharp increase in stiffness at a predetermined diameter. The balloon or balloon cover can be designed to have a stop point in either a radial or axial direction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to delivery medical devices that enable consistent “on-demand” delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel. The medical device of the current invention comprises retractable sheath comprising neckable elements. The medical device of the current invention comprises an expandable member, a hydrophilic coating comprising at least one therapeutic agent about the expandable member or structural layer and a retractable outer sheath with a selectively permeable microstructure. The design and methods disclosed herein ensures that therapeutic agent delivery occurs essentially only during retraction of the outer sheath, minimizing coating and/or therapeutic agent loss to the bloodstream and providing controlled delivery to the treatment site.

Abstract: Embodiments are presented of a balloon assembly operable to provide a balloon diameter vs. balloon pressure profile generally depicting a balloon inflation sequence providing at least one intermediate inflated diameter and a final inflated diameter of a balloon such that the balloon attains the at least one intermediate diameter at a predetermined pressure, and attains the final diameter at a final predetermined pressure that is lower than a predetermined pressure of a last intermediate pressure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to eluting medical devices that enable consistent “on-demand” delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel. The medical device of the current invention comprises an expandable member, a hydrophilic coating comprising at least one therapeutic agent about the expandable member or structural layer and an outer sheath with a variably permeable microstructure. The design and methods disclosed herein ensures that therapeutic agent delivery occurs essentially only during expansion of the expandable member, minimizing coating and/or therapeutic agent loss to the bloodstream and providing controlled delivery to the treatment site.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a device comprising a balloon disposed at least partially along a template, the template including an aperture, wherein the template has a substantially cylindrical portion that resists deformation in a radial direction, wherein the balloon expands radially during inflation, wherein a portion of the balloon at least partially protrudes about the aperture. Other embodiments are directed toward balloons having textured surfaces.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, an embolic protection device is provided comprising an elongate element having a deflector at its distal end. The embolic protection device is generally configured to redirect and/or funnel embolic debris and permit at least a portion of the blood, no longer containing the redirected and/or funneled embolic debris, to perfuse the surrounding vasculature and/or tissue.

Abstract: The invention is directed to eluting medical devices that enable consistent “on-demand” delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel. The medical device of the current invention comprises an expandable member, a hydrophilic coating comprising at least one therapeutic agent about the expandable member or structural layer and an outer sheath with a variably permeable microstructure. The design and methods disclosed herein ensures that therapeutic agent delivery occurs essentially only during expansion of the expandable member, minimizing coating and/or therapeutic agent loss to the bloodstream and providing controlled delivery to the treatment site.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for a pivoting ring that can be used as a seal for an inflatable member. The pivoting ring seal offers a mechanical action which acts to tighten with increasing inflation and/or expansion of an inflatable member. As the inflatable member increases in pressure and/or size, one side of the ring is lifted and pivots around a fulcrum in the middle of the ring seal causing the opposite side of the ring seal to decrease in diameter. The pivot ring causes the opposite part of the seal to tighten about an inner member allowing for a higher-pressure seal. In addition to a higher pressure seal, the working length of the inflatable member can be adjusted by moving the ring along the length of the inflatable member.

Abstract: Novel polymer shrink tubes, such as fluoropolymer shrink tubes and novel uses thereof. The polymer shrink tubes include at least one three-dimensional pattern formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube. The polymer shrink tubes can be used for, for example, embossing a pattern into a polymer tube. Further use includes, for example, forming a catheter with at least one channel located in the catheter wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an endovascular catheter that can be inserted within tortuous body anatomies and then selectively stiffened and fixed in place. In a particular embodiment, this stiffness is reversible. The stiffness or a comparable mechanical characteristic of the catheter assembly may be adjusted to a relatively low value during insertion (so that it easily navigates a guide wire or the like), and then subsequently adjusted to a relatively high value in situ to keep the catheter assembly substantially fixed in place (i.e., during delivery of an interventional device).

Abstract: The invention comprises an indwelling medical device which is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent evenly along the length of the indwelling portion, including the outer wall, of the device.

Abstract: A vasculature device with a wire with a shaped set portion, an electrically conductive path, an electrical connector connecting the wire to the electrically conductive path at a point distal to the shaped set portion, and a hypotube encasing the wire, electrically conductive path and electrical connector is provided. The vasculature device can be actuated from a low-profile configuration to a deployed configuration by heating of the wire, and in particular the shaped set portion of the wire, via application of an electrical current to the wire. The vasculature device is useful in removal of clots, thromboemboli and foreign bodies from the vasculature, and in particular the cerebral vasculature, and as steering wires or guidewires.