Abstract: In order to enhance the flexibility and trackability of a catheter (1) that is particularly adapted for use in delivering a stent (5), the catheter (1) comprises a marker arrangement (7, 8) that includes at least one marker (10, 11) made from a wire of a highly radiopaque and ductile material. Said wire is preferably wrapped around a second inner tube (2) of the catheter (1).

Abstract: A catheter for delivering a stent includes an outer tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a wall defining a lumen; an inner tube disposed within the outer tube and defining a lumen for a guidewire, wherein a portion of a length of the inner tube is wrapped around with a spiral-shaped wire; a balloon sealingly connected to the inner tube and the outer tube adjacent the distal ends thereof, the balloon defining an interior volume and having an exterior surface; and a marker made from a wire of a highly radiopaque and ductile material, wherein the wire is wrapped in a plurality of at least partially overlapping layers such that the marker is flexible along the length of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to dilatation balloon catheters and systems used for expansion against an obstruction within a body vessel or channel, or to deliver devices such as, but not limited to, stents and therapeutic agents to sites within vascular or tubular channel systems of the body.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon is fabricated according to a process that forms cavities and indentations in the balloon and/or catheter sections. A length of tubing is axially elongated and radially expanded in a form to provide the requisite biaxial orientation and strength. Then, an excimer laser or another type of laser or mechanical material removal tool is used to remove the polymeric material, virtually without thermal effects. Cavities in the sleeve sections of the balloon are defined and if desired, indentations in the cone sections are defined. Material removal, particularly near the balloon sleeves enables a thinner, more flexible bonding area between the catheter shaft and the balloon. Further, the indentations along the cone sections enables tighter wrapping of the balloon for a reduced delivery profile. Rigidity near the sleeves is reduced for better maneuverability of the catheter in tortuous passageways.

Abstract: An elongate medical device packaging system can include a sheath, a clasp, and/or a container. The sheath can be configured to releasably retain an elongate medical device, and can be comprised of a first material and an antistatic material in an amount and distribution within the first material so as to inhibit generating static electricity when the elongate medical device is withdrawn from the lumen. The clasp can include at least two recesses configured to hold the sheath in a coiled orientation. The clasp also has a configured to hold at least one object in an inwardly planar orientation with respect to the coiled elongate tube. The container can be a multi-compartment container, which includes one compartment to hold the coiled sheath and one compartment to hold components of the medical device, wherein each compartment can be fluid-tight.

Abstract: In order to enhance the flexibility and trackability of a catheter (1) that is particularly adapted for use in delivering a stent (5), the catheter (1) comprises a marker arrangement (7, 8) that includes at least one marker (10, 11) made from a wire of a highly radiopaque and ductile material. Said wire is preferably wrapped around a second inner tube (2) of the catheter (1).