Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a polymer-coated elastic braid including forming a plurality of elastic filaments into a braid. The braid is mounted within a tubular mandrel. The mandrel-mounted braid is dip-coating in a polymer solution containing a polymer and at least one solvent. The dip-coated braid is then heated to release the at least one solvent. Then, the dip-coated mandrel-mounted braid is cooled to solidify the polymer on the braid. The braid is then removed from the mandrel. The braid can be attached to a catheter for use as a microvalve in a vessel.

Abstract: A device is provided for holding a butter-like product packaged as an elongate solid or semi-solid stick or bar. The device has a base with opposed first and second sides. At least one anchor extends from the first side of the base, and an elongate handle extends from the second side of the base. The at least one anchor is configured for insertion into the butter-like product such that the device can hold and support the butter-like product. The handle is configured to be gripped or otherwise held by a user's hand for moving and maneuvering the device with a butter-like product secured thereto during use. The base is configured to interface to an end part of the butter-like product supported by the at least one anchor during use and also functions as a drip guard during use. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: An endovascular system includes inner and outer catheters, a handle system operably coupled one end of the catheters, and a microvalve coupled to the other end of the catheters. The microvalve is constrained in a radially-collapsed closed configuration for advancement within a vessel to a treatment site. The handle system is operable to displace the inner and outer catheters portions relative to each other to move the microvalve between closed and open configurations. An indicator is provided to visually indicate the extent by which the microvalve is opened within the vessel.

Abstract: An endovascular system includes inner and outer catheters, a handle system operably coupled one end of the catheters, and a microvalve coupled to the other end of the catheters. The microvalve is constrained in a radially-collapsed closed configuration for advancement within a vessel to a treatment site. The handle system is operable to displace the inner and outer catheters portions relative to each other to move the microvalve between closed and open configurations. An indicator is provided to visually indicate the extent by which the microvalve is opened within the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that dynamically opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout, particularly while in an anatomical lumen. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. The valve is adapted to automatically move from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration at the treatment site.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that dynamically opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout, particularly while in an anatomical lumen. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. The valve is adapted to automatically move from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration at the treatment site.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that dynamically opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout, particularly while in an anatomical lumen. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. The valve is adapted to automatically move from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration at the treatment site.

Abstract: An endovascular valve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter having at its distal end a valve. The valve is constructed of a braid of elongate first filaments coupled together at their proximal ends in a manner that the first filaments are movable relative to each other along their lengths. The first filaments have a spring bias that radially expands the valve. A filter is provided to the braid formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments. The lumen of the catheter is in communication with the center of the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that rapidly opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. A balloon element is provided between the delivery catheter and the valve and is adapted such that upon inflation it can move the valve from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that dynamically opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout, particularly while in an anatomical lumen. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. The valve is adapted to automatically move from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration at the treatment site.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a delivery catheter having a deployable dynamic valve that rapidly opens and closes in response to relative fluid pressure thereabout. The valve is maintained in a collapsed configuration during introduction to a treatment site. A balloon element is provided between the delivery catheter and the valve and is adapted such that upon inflation it can move the valve from the collapsed configuration to a deployed configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An endovascular valve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter having at its distal end a valve. The valve is constructed of a braid of elongate first filaments coupled together at their proximal ends in a manner that the first filaments are movable relative to each other along their lengths. The first filaments have a spring bias that radially expands the valve. A filter is provided to the braid formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments. The lumen of the catheter is in communication with the center of the valve.

Abstract: An endovascular valve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter having at its distal end a valve. The valve is constructed of a braid of elongate first filaments coupled together at their proximal ends in a manner that the first filaments are movable relative to each other along their lengths. The first filaments have a spring bias that radially expands the valve. A filter is provided to the braid formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments. The lumen of the catheter is in communication with the center of the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: An endovascular valve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter having at its distal end a valve. The valve is constructed of a braid of elongate first filaments coupled together at their proximal ends in a manner that the first filaments are movable relative to each other along their lengths. The first filaments have a spring bias that radially expands the valve. A filter is provided to the braid formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments. The lumen of the catheter is in communication with the center of the valve.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for introduction of laparoscopic instruments into an anatomical cavity through tissue at an entry site. The apparatus includes a body with a frustoconical-shaped wall. The body defines an interior cavity, an open bottom, and a substantially closed top wall with openings from which a plurality of ports extend upward therefrom. The ports are adapted to receive the laparoscopic instruments for introduction through the interior cavity and open bottom of the body into the anatomical cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the frustoconical-shaped wall of the body is placed through an incision in the umbilicus. In one aspect of the invention, the body is a unitary one-piece molded structure. A reinforcing belt or plate formed from a relatively hard material can be integral to the body, and separately formed port caps each having a septum may be bonded to the ports.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that is useful in an embolization procedure and enables substantially unrestricted forward flow of blood in a vessel and reduces or stops reflux (regurgitation or backward flow) of embolization agents which are introduced into the blood. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.