Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular hemostatic valve includes a splittable valve body. The splittable body defines a passageway. A sealing element is positioned in the passageway. The sealing element is configured to facilitate the passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve body is configured to engage a second medical device.

Abstract: A tear-away sheath (8) having a tubular element (10) with a distal end and a proximal end, at least one axial fault line (12), and an integral stop (16) is disclosed. The tear-away sheath may also have a handle (14) or closing element at the proximal end. An angioplasty balloon catheter (22) having the disclosed tear-away sheath is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter having a shaft that has at least two spaced-apart lumens is disclosed. A retractable core wire is disposed within at least one of the lumens. The retractable core wire is manipulated by the user to impart variable stiffness to the shaft as the core wire is retracted and extended within the lumen. A catheter having substantially low profile bonds at the junctions where an inflatable balloon is attached to the catheter is also disclosed. The low profile bonds are created by recesses extending around the circumference of the distal end of the shaft, the proximal and distal ends of a stem, and the proximal end of a tip. The catheter having the low profile bond optionally has either a retractable or an embedded core wire. In examples, the catheter has at least one component formed from, co-extruded with, or coated with a lubricious material or a hydrophilic material.

Abstract: Various methods for optimizing coating of medical devices, such as balloon catheters are disclosed. One method configures catheter balloon folds based on balloon diameter and volume. Other methods include using a specifically-sized protective sheath, using a vacuum, using pressure, pulling the balloon through a coating solution, using at least one spacer or a wick between at least one fold for metering a therapeutic coating into the folds of the balloon, placing an intermediate layer between the balloon and the therapeutic coating, placing a soluble film having a therapeutic agent around the catheter balloon or inside the folds, and any combination thereof. Balloon catheters and catheter balloons having a specific folding configuration, a specifically-sized protective sheath, an intermediate layer, or a soluble film are also disclosed.

Abstract: A holder for a micro-sized medical device, such as a pipette, includes a main body portion having an interior space sized for housing at least one pipette. A reducing insert comprising a sleeve has an open end and a substantially closed end. The sleeve is sized such that the open end is receivable in the main body portion through an open axial end of the main body, and the substantially closed end has an aperture extending therethrough having a diameter sufficient for passage of a pipette therethrough. An end cap is engageable with the open axial end of the main body portion, and is selectively movable between an open position wherein the interior space of the main body communicates via the aperture with an environment exterior of the holder, and a closed position wherein the seal covers the aperture. The components of the holder may be formed integrally or separately.

Abstract: A modular hemostatic valve includes a splittable valve body. The splittable body defines a passageway. A sealing element is positioned in the passageway. The sealing element is configured to facilitate the passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve body is configured to engage a second medical device.

Abstract: A modular hemostatic valve includes a splittable valve body. The splittable body defines a passageway. A sealing element positions in the passageway. The sealing element is configured to facilitate the passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve body is configured to engage a second medical device.

Abstract: A catheter having a shaft that has at least two spaced-apart lumens is disclosed. A retractable core wire is disposed within at least one of the lumens. The retractable core wire is manipulated by the user to impart variable stiffness to the shaft as the core wire is retracted and extended within the lumen. A catheter having substantially low profile bonds at the junctions where an inflatable balloon is attached to the catheter is also disclosed. The low profile bonds are created by recesses extending around the circumference of the distal end of the shaft, the proximal and distal ends of a stem, and the proximal end of a tip. The catheter having the low profile bond optionally has either a retractable or an embedded core wire. In examples, the catheter has at least one component formed from, co-extruded with, or coated with a lubricious material or a hydrophilic material.