Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer includes a tubular member including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer having an inner surface, an outer surface and wall extending therebetween. The outer layer is disposed along the outer surface of the inner layer. The inner layer includes a plurality of longitudinal channels extending radially outward from the inner surface. Each channel of the plurality of channels has a circumferential width. Further, the tubular member is designed to shift from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein the width of each channel increases as the tubular member shifts from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using a medical device are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire for accessing and treating a region of the neural vasculature. The guidewire may include an elongate shaft having a distal end region. The elongate shaft may include an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The inner tubular member may have a plurality of openings formed therein. The outer tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. An occlusive balloon may be coupled to the distal end region of the elongate shaft and disposed about at least some of the plurality of openings. The inner tubular member may define a lumen in fluid communication with the occlusive balloon through the plurality of openings. The tip member may be coupled to the distal end region of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. The example introducer includes a sheath having an inner surface and a wall having a thickness, a liner disposed along the inner surface of the sheath, the liner including at least one folded portion and a first lumen positioned in the thickness of the wall, wherein the first lumen is positioned adjacent to the at least one folded portion.

Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. The example introducer includes a sheath having an inner surface and a wall having a thickness, a liner disposed along the inner surface of the sheath, the liner including at least one folded portion and a first lumen positioned in the thickness of the wall, wherein the first lumen is positioned adjacent to the at least one folded portion.

Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer includes a tubular member including an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer having an inner surface, an outer surface and wall extending therebetween. The outer layer is disposed along the outer surface of the inner layer. The inner layer includes a plurality of longitudinal channels extending radially outward from the inner surface. Each channel of the plurality of channels has a circumferential width. Further, the tubular member is designed to shift from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration, wherein the width of each channel increases as the tubular member shifts from the unexpanded configuration to the expanded configuration.

Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer sheath includes a tubular member including an inner surface, an outer surface and a wall extending therebetween. The introducer further includes a plurality of spine members. The plurality of spine members are positioned radially inward of the outer surface of the tubular member. Further, each of the plurality of the spine members are positioned radially outward of the inner surface of the tubular member. Additionally, the tubular member is designed to shift from a first configuration to a second configuration and the wall has a first thickness in the first position and a second thickness in the second position, the second thickness smaller than the first thickness.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal tubular member having a lumen defined therein. A distal tubular member may be attached to the proximal tubular member. The proximal tubular member may have an outer diameter. The distal tubular member may have an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the distal tubular member may be greater than the outer diameter of the proximal tubular member. A stiffening member may be slidably disposed within the proximal tubular member.

Abstract: A medical device for measuring blood pressure includes a proximal shaft and a distal member including a slotted tube defining a distal lumen extending through the slotted tube, the distal lumen aligned with the proximal lumen and including a distal lumen inner surface. A distal cap is secured to the distal member, the distal cap including a distal cap inner surface defining a void space and an optical pressure sensor is disposed within the void space. A fiber optic cable is coupled to the optical pressure sensor and extends proximally through the distal lumen. A tolerance between an outer surface of the fiber optic cable and the inner surface of the distal lumen inner surface limits relative radial movement of the optical pressure sensor relative to the distal cap inner surface such that the optical pressure sensor is constrained from contacting the distal cap inner surface.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a guide catheter for delivery of an implantable lead within the coronary vein. Such a guide catheter can comprise a tubular body having a main lumen and at least one preformed bend. The tubular body can comprise a liner defining an inner surface, braiding circumferentially surrounding the liner, a jacket covering the braiding and defining an exterior surface of the tubular body, and a plurality of inflation tubes embedded within the jacket. The guide catheter can include a balloon mounted on the tubular body, each of the plurality of inflation tubes in communication with the balloon. The guide catheter can further include a hub providing access to the main lumen, the hub comprising a first port for introduction of contrast media into the main lumen and a second port in communication with the plurality of inflation tubes.

Abstract: A microparticle includes a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles having a Curie temperature between 40° and 100° C. The microparticle further includes a biocompatible polymer and/or biocompatible ceramic and a plurality of radiopaque nanoparticles.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a guide catheter for delivery of an implantable lead within the coronary vein. Such a guide catheter can comprise a tubular body having a main lumen and at least one preformed bend. The tubular body can comprise a liner defining an inner surface, braiding circumferentially surrounding the liner, a jacket covering the braiding and defining an exterior surface of the tubular body, and a plurality of inflation tubes embedded within the jacket. The guide catheter can include a balloon mounted on the tubular body, each of the plurality of inflation tubes in communication with the balloon. The guide catheter can further include a hub providing access to the main lumen, the hub comprising a first port for introduction of contrast media into the main lumen and a second port in communication with the plurality of inflation tubes.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip constructions and/or designs including methods and techniques of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for medical devices. Some embodiments disclosed deal with attachment of an elongated structure, such as a wire or ribbon, or a tubular member, such as a coil, to an elongated member in an elongated device. For example, an elongated core member having defining an outer surface, and an elongated structure including a first portion and a second expanded portion along the length thereof can be provided. An attachment member, such as a centering ring, or the like, is disposed about a portion of the elongated core member and a part of the first portion of the elongated structure. The attachment member defines a lumen and having an inner surface. Part of the first portion of the elongated structure is disposed between the inner surface of the attachment member and the outer surface of the elongated core member.

Abstract: Elongate medical devices such as guidewires can be formed from a core wire and a preformed distal cap that is configured to fit over a distal end of the core wire. The distal cap can be attached using a variety of techniques. In particular, the distal cap can be attached to the core wire using laser welding.

Abstract: Guidewire with an improved distal end. A guidewire with an improved distal end may include a core wire, a solder tip disposed at a distal end of the core wire, a radiopaque inner coil coupled to the distal end of the core wire, an outer coil disposed along the length of the core wire, and a distal hub coupled to the core wire and disposed proximate a distal end of the inner coil.

Abstract: Alternative designs, materials and manufacturing methods for guidewires. Some embodiments pertain to a composite guidewire having proximal and distal section, and a connector adapted and configured for permanently joining the proximal section to the distal section. In some embodiments, at least one of the sections is made of a linear-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. Several alternative guidewire tip designs including coiled safety/shaping structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices. The medical devices include an elongate member having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a connector assembly disposed adjacent the elongated member to connect the proximal and distal portions, the connector assembly including a radiopaque marker.

Abstract: The invention provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device includes an elongated core member including an outer surface, an intermediate member disposed about at least a portion of the outer surface of the core member, and a coil disposed about at least a portion of the intermediate member in the distal region. At least a portion of an outer surface of the coil can include an undulating surface in a portion of the distal region.

Abstract: A guidewire and methods for making and using the same. The guidewire may include a core wire and a polymer jacket attached to the core wire. The guidewire may be manufactured by advancing the core wire, polymer jacket, and a tooling tube through a heated die assembly so as to heat and compress the polymer jacket onto the core wire. Optionally, the tooling tube may be removed from the jacket after advancing the components through the die assembly.

Abstract: A guidewire having an embedded matrix polymer construction and methods of making and using the same. The guidewire may include a core wire or member having a proximal region and distal region, a jacket disposed over the distal region, and a coil disposed over the jacket. The coil may include a coating and may be embedded within the jacket.