Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes a hub assembly, an elongate member, and a plurality of support wires extending along a length of the elongate member. The plurality of support wires is configured to expand radially outward from the elongated body to help anchor a distal portion of the catheter within the vasculature the patient and provide a backup support to the elongate member, e.g., to reduce pushback on the catheter when a treatment device is advanced past the distal tip of the catheter.

Abstract: A steerable delivery catheter includes an outer sheath with a housing disposed at a distal end thereof to define a chamber for a medical device, the chamber having an open distal end and a proximal inner shelf. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the sheath and has an abutment attached to the distal end of the shaft, the abutment being slidably contained within the chamber. During navigation of the catheter, when the inner shaft is tensioned the abutment engages the shelf to apply a compressive force to the sheath to selectively deflect a distal region of the catheter. When the catheter has been navigated to the deployment site the sheath is withdrawn while the abutment maintains the medical device in place as it is deployed. A delivery method also is disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering a medical implant in a patient's vasculature includes an elongate catheter having a distensible and frangible cap mounted across the open distal end thereof. The cap is distendable by pressure within the catheter to provide a bumper tip for guiding the catheter through a patient's vasculature. At the desired site for deploying the medical implant, the cap is ruptured to permit the implant to be advanced through the distal opening. Methods of using the catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A steerable delivery catheter includes an outer sheath with a housing disposed at a distal end thereof to define a chamber for a medical device, the chamber having an open distal end and a proximal inner shelf. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the sheath and has an abutment attached to the distal end of the shaft, the abutment being slidably contained within the chamber. During navigation of the catheter, when the inner shaft is tensioned the abutment engages the shelf to apply a compressive force to the sheath to selectively deflect a distal region of the catheter. When the catheter has been navigated to the deployment site the sheath is withdrawn while the abutment maintains the medical device in place as it is deployed. A delivery method also is disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering a medical implant in a patient's vasculature includes an elongate catheter having a distensible and frangible cap mounted across the open distal end thereof. The cap is distendable by pressure within the catheter to provide a bumper tip for guiding the catheter through a patient's vasculature. At the desired site for deploying the medical implant, the cap is ruptured to permit the implant to be advanced through the distal opening. Methods of using the catheter are also disclosed.