Abstract: The present invention is directed to aneurysm treatment devices which are capable of being delivered to the situs of a vascular aneurysm through a catheter. The treatment devices comprise, in general, an expandable stent having fenestrations and a reactive material selectively applied to not all of the fenestrations. The reactive material has a non-reacted state and a reacted state and the reactive material in the reacted state is capable of increasing the resistance to blood flow through said fenestrations.

Abstract: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration of a scaled-down model of the vascular site, from which it is compressible into the compressed configuration. The implant is made by scanning the vascular site to create a digitized scan data set; using the scan data set to create a three-dimensional digitized virtual model of the vascular site; using the virtual model to create a scaled-down physical mold of the vascular site; and using the mold to create a vascular implant in the form of a scaled-down model of the vascular site. To embolize a vascular site, the implant is compressed and passed through a microcatheter, the distal end of which has been passed into a vascular site.

Abstract: Medical devices for insertion into the body of human or veterinary patients, wherein the device comprises a) a working element (e.g. a wire, a guidewire, a tube, a catheter, a cannula, a scope (e.g., rigid or flexible endoscope, laparoscope, sigmoidoscope, cystoscope, etc.) a probe, an apparatus for collecting information from a location within the body (e.g., an electrode, sensor, camera, scope, sample withdrawal apparatus, biopsy or tissue sampling device, etc.) which has an outer surface and b) a continuous or non-continuous coating on the outer surface of the working element. The outer surface of the working element is prepared to create a surface topography which promotes mechanical or frictional engagement of the coating to the working element. In some embodiments the coating is a lubricious coating, such as a fluorocarbon coating or a hydrogel that becomes lubricious when contacted by a liquid. In some embodiments, the coating may expand as swell.

Abstract: An embolization device for occluding a body cavity includes one or more elongated, expansible, hydrophilic embolizing elements non-releasably carried along the length of an elongated filamentous carrier that is preferably made of a very thin, highly flexible filament or microcoil of nickel/titanium alloy. At least one expansile embolizing element is non-releasably attached to the carrier. A first embodiment includes a plurality of embolizing elements fixed to the carrier at spaced-apart intervals along its length. In second, third and fourth embodiments, an elongate, continuous, coaxial embolizing element is non-releasably fixed to the exterior surface of the carrier, extending along a substantial portion of the length of the carrier proximally from a distal tip, and optionally includes a lumenal reservoir for delivery of therapeutic agents. Exemplary methods for making these devices include skewering and molding the embolizing elements.

Abstract: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration of a scaled-down model of the vascular site, from which it is compressible into the compressed configuration. The implant is made by scanning the vascular site to create a digitized scan data set; using the scan data set to create a three-dimensional digitized virtual model of the vascular site; using the virtual model to create a scaled-down physical mold of the vascular site; and using the mold to create a vascular implant in the form of a scaled-down model of the vascular site. To embolize a vascular site, the implant is compressed and passed through a microcatheter, the distal end of which has been passed into a vascular site.

Abstract: Methods and Devices for treating airway openings and breathing disorders including obstructive sleep apnea are disclosed. Structures and methods disclosed herein maintain and preserve airway openings against posterior collapse of the tongue.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration comprises a plurality of tangentially-interconnected, substantially circular loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising a longitudinal array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In either embodiment, the device, in its minimum energy state secondary configuration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which the device is to be deployed.

Abstract: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration of a scaled-down model of the vascular site, from which it is compressible into the compressed configuration. The implant is made by scanning the vascular site to create a digitized scan data set; using the scan data set to create a three-dimensional digitized virtual model of the vascular site; using the virtual model to create a scaled-down physical mold of the vascular site; and using the mold to create a vascular implant in the form of a scaled-down model of the vascular site. To embolize a vascular site, the implant is compressed and passed through a microcatheter, the distal end of which has been passed into a vascular site.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the secondary configuration-comprises a plurality of interconnected closed loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In a second embodiment, the secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising an array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In a third embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a series of tangential closed loops, wherein the entire structure subtends a first angle of arc, and wherein each adjacent pair of loops defines a second angle of arc. In a fourth embodiment, the secondary configuration forms a logarithmic spiral.

Abstract: A microcoil vaso-occlusive device has a minimum energy state secondary configuration having a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis. The secondary configuration may be a plurality of interconnected closed loops; an array of laterally-alternating open loops; a series of tangential closed loops; or a logarithmic spiral. The device, in its secondary cofiguration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which it is to be deployed. Thus, confinement of the device within the site causes it to assume a configuration with a higher energy state than the minimum energy state. Because the secondary configuration is larger (in at least one dimension) than the site, the device is constrained, by contact with the walls of the site, from returning to its secondary configuration, and shifting of the device due to blood flow is minimized.

Abstract: A vascular implant formed of a compressible foam material has a compressed configuration from which it is expansible into a configuration substantially conforming to the shape and size of a vascular site to be embolized. Preferably, the implant is formed of a hydrophilic, macroporous foam material, having an initial configuration of a scaled-down model of the vascular site, from which it is compressible into the compressed configuration. The implant is made by scanning the vascular site to create a digitized scan data set; using the scan data set to create a three-dimensional digitized virtual model of the vascular site; using the virtual model to create a scaled-down physical mold of the vascular site; and using the mold to create a vascular implant in the form of a scaled-down model of the vascular site. To embolize a vascular site, the implant is compressed and passed through a microcatheter, the distal end of which has been passed into a vascular site.

Abstract: An embolization device for occluding a body cavity includes one or more elongated, expansible, hydrophilic embolizing elements non-releasably carried along the length of an elongated filamentous carrier that is preferably made of a very thin, highly flexible filament or microcoil of nickel/titanium alloy. At least one expansile embolizing element is non-releasably attached to the carrier. A first embodiment includes a plurality of embolizing elements fixed to the carrier at spaced-apart intervals along its length. In second, third and fourth embodiments, an elongate, continuous, coaxial embolizing element is non-releasably fixed to the exterior surface of the carrier, extending along a substantial portion of the length of the carrier proximally from a distal tip, and optionally includes a lumenal reservoir for delivery of therapeutic agents. Exemplary methods for making these devices include skewering and molding the embolizing elements.

Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus for treating vascular aneurysms and includes a radially expandable substantially cylindrical structure formed from a plurality of support members and defining a plurality of openings, and at least one reactive material strand selectively integrated into the substantially cylindrical structure. The reactive material is configured to assume a non-reacted state and a reacted state. The reactive material in the reacted state is configured to restrict a flow of blood to an aneurysm.

Abstract: Medical devices for insertion into the body of human or veterinary patients, wherein the device comprises a) a working element (e.g. a wire, a guidewire, a tube, a catheter, a cannula, a scope (e.g., rigid or flexible endoscope, laparoscope, sigmoidoscope, cystoscope, etc.) a probe, an apparatus for collecting information from a location within the body (e.g., an electrode, sensor, camera, scope, sample withdrawal apparatus, biopsy or tissue sampling device, etc.) which has an outer surface and b) a continuous or non-continuous coating on the outer surface of the working element. The outer surface of the working element is prepared to create a surface topography which promotes mechanical or frictional engagement of the coating to the working element. In some embodiments the coating is a lubricious coating and/or a swellable coating.

Abstract: Embolectomy catheters, rapid exchange microcatheters, systems and methods for removing clots or other obstructive matter (e.g., thrombus, thromboemboli, embolic fragments of atherosclerotic plaque, foreign objects, etc.) from blood vessels. This invention is particularly useable for percutaneous removal of thromboemboli or other obstructive matter from small blood vessels of the brain, during an evolving stroke or period of cerebral ischemia. In some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters of this invention are advanceable with or over a guidewire which has been pre-inserted through or around the clot. Also, in some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters include clot removal devices which are deployable from the catheter after the catheter has been advanced at least partially through the clot. The clot removal device may include a deployable wire nest that is designed to prevent a blood clot from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis is implanted at a target location within a body lumen by transluminally placing and embedding an expansible prosthesis body within a sealing layer. The sealing layer occludes at least a circumferential band within an interface region between the prosthesis body and the inner wall of the body lumen, thus providing for blockage of body lumen flow past the prosthesis. The sealing layer may be introduced prior to or simultaneously with the prosthesis body. A tubular prosthesis may be implanted in blood vessels, particularly to protect aneurysms.

Abstract: An embolization device for occluding a body cavity includes one or more elongated, expansible, hydrophilic embolizing elements non-releasably carried along the length of an elongated filamentous carrier that is preferably made of a very thin, highly flexible filament or microcoil of nickel/titanium alloy. At least one expansile embolizing element is non-releasably attached to the carrier. A first embodiment includes a plurality of embolizing elements fixed to the carrier at spaced-apart intervals along its length. In second, third and fourth embodiments, an elongate, continuous, coaxial embolizing element is non-releasably fixed to the exterior surface of the carrier, extending along a substantial portion of the length of the carrier proximally from a distal tip, and optionally includes a lumenal reservoir for delivery of therapeutic agents. Exemplary methods for making these devices include skewering and molding the embolizing elements.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration comprises a plurality of tangentially-interconnected, substantially circular loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising a longitudinal array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In either embodiment, the device, in its minimum energy state secondary configuration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which the device is to be deployed.

Abstract: A mechanism for the deployment of a filamentous endovascular device includes a flexible deployment tube having an open proximal end, and a coupling element attached to the proximal end of the endovascular device. The deployment tube includes a distal section terminating in an open distal end, with a lumen defined between the proximal and distal ends. A retention sleeve is fixed around the distal section and includes a distal extension extending a short distance past the distal end of the deployment tube. The endovascular device is attached to the distal end of the deployment tube by fixing the retention sleeve around the coupling element, so that the coupling element is releasably held within the distal extension of the deployment tube. In use, the deployment tube, with the implant attached to its distal end, is passed intravascularly through a microcatheter to a target vascular site until the endovascular device is located within the site.

Abstract: Embolectomy catheters, rapid exchange microcatheters, systems and methods for removing clots or other obstructive matter (e.g., thrombus, thromboemboli, embolic fragments of atherosclerotic plaque, foreign objects, etc.) from blood vessels. This invention is particularly useable for percutaneous removal of thromboemboli or other obstructive matter from small blood vessels of the brain, during an evolving stroke or period of cerebral ischemia. In some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters of this invention are advanceable with or over a guidewire which has been pre-inserted through or around the clot. Also, in some embodiments, the embolectomy catheters include clot removal devices which are deployable from the catheter after the catheter has been advanced at least partially through the clot. The clot removal device may include a deployable wire nest that is designed to prevent a blood clot from passing therethrough.