Abstract: A teaching aid has visual indicia thereon simulating the circulatory system of an organism. The teaching aid includes (i) a template having visual indicia thereon simulating the circulatory system of an organism; and (ii) a plurality of connectors for connecting a medical device to the template. The template comprises (a) a base, and (b) visual indicia on the base, simulating the circulatory system of an organism.

Abstract: A teaching aid has visual indicia thereon simulating the circulatory system of an organism. The teaching aid includes (i) a template having visual indicia thereon simulating the circulatory system of an organism; and (ii) a plurality of connectors for connecting a medical device to the template. The template comprises (a) a base, and (b) visual indicia on the base, simulating the circulatory system of an organism.

Abstract: A mask for masking a stent during a coating procedure may include a mask body that has a negative pattern or an approximate negative pattern of a stent pattern being masked by the mask body. An apparatus for selectively coating a predetermined portion of a medical article may include a dispenser of a coating composition, a mask, a device for creating a relative movement between the mask and the medical article.

Abstract: A mask for masking a stent during a coating procedure may include a mask body that has a negative pattern or an approximate negative pattern of a stent pattern being masked by the mask body. An apparatus for selectively coating a predetermined portion of a medical article may include a dispenser of a coating composition, a mask, a device for creating a relative movement between the mask and the medical article.

Abstract: Masking apparatus and methods of masking a medical article, such as stent, for selective application of a coating composition on the article are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon or other expandable medical device, and a balloon or other device formed thereby, in which at least a portion of a tubular, wrapped sheet of polymeric material is heated with laser radiation to form a fused seam extending along at least a section of the length of the tubular body. In one embodiment, the portion of the sheet heated by laser radiation is less than the entire area of the sheet, so that the fused seam is formed by heating portions of the sheet without heating sections of the sheet spaced apart from the fused seam. In one embodiment, the sheet of polymeric material comprises a polymer having a porous and preferably a node and fibril microstructure, which in one embodiment is selected from the group consisting of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and expanded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter balloon or other expandable medical device, and a balloon or other device formed thereby, in which at least a portion of a tubular, wrapped sheet of polymeric material is heated with laser radiation to form a fused seam extending along at least a section of the length of the tubular body. In one embodiment, the portion of the sheet heated by laser radiation is less than the entire area of the sheet, so that the fused seam is formed by heating portions of the sheet without heating sections of the sheet spaced apart from the fused seam. In one embodiment, the sheet of polymeric material comprises a polymer having a porous and preferably a node and fibril microstructure, which in one embodiment is selected from the group consisting of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) and expanded ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in stent delivery systems and method for releasably securing a stent onto an expandable member of a catheter. A deformable material is applied between the outer surface of the expandable member and the stent mounted thereon. The deformable material is affixed to an expandable member, similar to a dilatation balloon and is sufficiently compliant to be deformed by compressive engagement with the stent. The deformable material beneath the stent is compressed, projecting a portion of the material adjacent struts of the stent into a physical stop that impedes lateral movement of the stent relative to the balloon during delivery to the target site. The deformable material may be an adhesive or a curable compound in a cured or uncured state. The deformable material may be brought into releasably secure contact with the stent by shifting the stent toward the balloon, the balloon toward the stent, or both. Shifting the stent toward the balloon may include crimping the stent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an expandable member of a catheter assembly, the expandable member having outwardly extending protrusions. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member such that the protrusions extend into the gaps in the stent. The stent is secured in place on the expandable member while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is implanted at the desired location in the body lumen by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The protrusions are pulled away from and out of the stent gaps by deflating the expandable member and retracting the remainder of the system.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is provided for use in delivering and implanting a stent in a body lumen, such as in a coronary artery. An elongated catheter body includes an expandable member or balloon having a folded configuration and an expanded configuration wherein a plurality of pre-formed grooves extending generally circumferentially around the balloon when the balloon is in its folded configuration. An intravascular stent is removably crimped over the balloon and is at least partially retained on the balloon by the grooves. Upon inflation of the balloon, the grooves will flatten out thereby releasing the stent and allowing the stent to expand radially outwardly into contact with the body lumen or coronary artery.

Abstract: A catheter system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member with an expandable member disposed about the inner tubular member. A deformable material is disposed between the expandable member and the inner tubular member. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member and is retained in place by compressing the deformable material. Used with a stent delivery system, the catheter system is inserted into a body lumen such as an artery. The stent is secured in place while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is advanced to the desired location in the body lumen and implanted by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The stent is released from the system by deflating the expandable member and withdrawing the catheter system from the body.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an expandable member of a catheter assembly, the expandable member having outwardly extending protrusions. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member such that the protrusions extend into the gaps in the stent. The stent is secured in place on the expandable member while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is implanted at the desired location in the body lumen by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The protrusions are pulled away from and out of the stent gaps by deflating the expandable member and retracting the remainder of the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for removably securing a stent which generally includes an expandable member of a catheter assembly, the expandable member having outwardly extending protrusions. An expandable stent is crimped onto the expandable member such that the protrusions extend into the gaps in the stent. The stent is secured in place on the expandable member while advancing the system through tortuous body lumen passages. The stent is implanted at the desired location in the body lumen by inflating the expandable member and thereby expanding the stent into the body lumen. The protrusions are pulled away from and out of the stent gaps by deflating the expandable member and retracting the remainder of the system.