Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses, systems, methods and kits for fastening sutures or similar devices used in medical surgical procedures. In particular, the present invention is suitable for use with percutaneous or minimally invasive procedures in which sutures are placed with catheter-based devices wherein the tying of knots is particularly challenging. Suture fasteners of the present invention provide for fastening the sutures together in a fixed position at any location along the suture strands. In addition, the fasteners are adjustable to allow repositioning of the fastener after placement to a new desired location along the suture strands. Similarly, such fasteners may be used to hold a single suture strand for various applications.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment means is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment means.

Abstract: An intravascular filter having a filament which expands a filter element. The filament is a coil which is stretched to reduce the diameter of the coil for introduction. The filter element is preferably biased toward the closed position and is opened by the coil when tension is released on the coil. The filament slides along the internal surface of the filter element so that the filter element may assume intermediate positions.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment tool is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment tools.

Abstract: An intravascular filter having a filament which expands a filter element. The filament is a coil which is stretched to reduce the diameter of the coil for introduction. The filter element is preferably biased toward the closed position and is opened by the coil when tension is released on the coil. The filament slides along the internal surface of the filter element so that the filter element may assume intermediate positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for grasping, and optional repositioning and fixation of the valve leaflets to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation. Such grasping will typically be atraumatic providing a number of benefits. For example, atraumatic grasping may allow repositioning of the devices relative to the leaflets and repositioning of the leaflets themselves without damage to the leaflets. However, in some cases it may be necessary or desired to include grasping which pierces or otherwise permanently affects the leaflets. In some of these cases, the grasping step includes fixation.

Abstract: A method of making a catheter, including an elongated tube structure having a proximal end and at least one preset curved portion proximate a distal end. The preset curved portion includes a first material located generally along an outer surface of the preset curved portion and a second material located generally along an inside surface of the preset curved portion. The first material preferably has a greater stiffness than the second material, so that the catheter is capable of assuming a generally straight configuration without plastic deformation.

Abstract: A composition is comprised of the following: a) a hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed alkoxysilane; b) a solvent consisting of an organic liquid or mixture of two or more organic liquids in which component (a) and component (c) are soluble and c) a cross linking prepolymer, oligomer, resin or mixtures thereof that forms a low dielectric constant crosslinked polymer. Preferred crosslinked polymers are of a arylcyclobutene or polyphenylene prepolymer, oligomer, resin or mixtures thereof. A coating may be made using the composition wherein the coating is comprised of a crosslinked polymer of a low dielectric crosslinking prepolymer, oligomer, resin or mixture thereof and a hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed alkoxysilane, said coating being adhered to a surface of a substrate wherein said surface is comprised of a first material that is a metal, ceramic or polymer and a second material that is (i) a metal, ceramic, or polymer and (ii) different than the first material.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane at least partially covers the expansile member and is sized so as to be capable of expanding as the expansile member moves from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration. Deployment members are carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and are coupled to the expansile member. The deployment members are adapted to be capable of moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to the deployment members.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. A first elongate tubular member has proximal and distal extremities and has a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the first elongate tubular member is and movable between contracted and expanded positions. The expansile member has a predetermined configuration in the expanded position. A deformable membrane covers the expansile member, and is sized so as to be capable of overlying and underlying the expansile member in the expanded position. A deployment mechanism is carried by the proximal extremity of the first elongate tubular member and is adapted to be operated by the human hand for controlling movement of the expansile member between the contracted and expanded positions. A deployment mechanism includes a push-pull wire with proximal and distal extremities and extends through the first elongate tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member.

Abstract: A biological sealant comprising a gelatin slurry. The slurry contains gelatin, saline or water and thrombin.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. A first elongate tubular member has proximal and distal extremities and has a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the first elongate tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded positions. The expansile member has a predetermined configuration in the expanded position. A deformable membrane covers the expansile member and is sized so as to be capable of overlying and underlying the expansile member in the expanded position. A deployment mechanism is carried by the proximal extremity of the first elongate tubular member and is adapted to be operated by the human hand for controlling movement of the expansile member between the contracted and expanded positions. A biological sealant introducer is connected to the first elongate tubular member for introducing a biological sealant into the body proximal to the expansile member and external to the lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises a first elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the first elongate tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded positions. The expansile member has a predetermined configuration in the expanded position. A deformable membrane covers the expansile member and is sized so as to be capable of overlying and underlying the expansile member in the expanded position. Deployment means are carried by the proximal extremity of the first elongate tubular member and are adapted to be operated by the human hand for controlling movement of the expansile member between the contracted and expanded positions.

Abstract: A catheter and method of making the same, including an elongated tube structure having a proximal end and at least one preset curved portion proximate a distal end. The preset curved portion includes a first material located generally along an outer surface of the preset curved portion and a second material located generally along an inside surface of the preset curved portion. The first material preferably has a greater stiffness than the second material, so that the catheter is capable of assuming a generally straight configuration without plastic deformation.