Abstract: A system includes a device having inner and outer catheters, and a filter valve attached to the distal end of the inner and outer catheters. Longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter moves the filter valve from a non-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration. The device has a first configuration in which the distal end of the inner catheter is longitudinally advanced by a first distance relative to the distal end of the outer catheter and the filter valve assumes a stretched configuration, and a second configuration in which the distal end of the inner catheter is longitudinally advanced by a second distance relative to the distal end of the outer catheter to cause the filter valve to assume a diameter larger than in the stretched configuration.

Abstract: A balloon retention urinary catheter includes a porous and spongy distal tip. In one method, a polymer is mixed with sacrificial particles and the mixture is molded in the form of the tip, and then cured. The cured tip is then placed in a solvent in which the sacrificial particles elute from the tip but in which the polymer is insoluble. Once the particles elute out of the polymer in the tip, a softer porous polymeric structure results. The tip may be structured to be softer prior to use or for transformation to a softer state once in the bladder.

Abstract: A balloon retention urinary catheter includes a porous and spongy distal tip. In one method, a polymer is mixed with sacrificial particles and the mixture is molded in the form of the tip, and then cured. The cured tip is then placed in a solvent in which the sacrificial particles elute from the tip but in which the polymer is insoluble. Once the particles elute out of the polymer in the tip, a softer porous polymeric structure results. The tip may be structured to be softer prior to use or for transformation to a softer state once in the bladder.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a guide sheath, and a catheter provided with a pressure-controlled element. The pressure-control element preferably includes an expanded configuration adapted to extend across a small feeder vessel branching from the splenic vein. The pressure-control element is positioned with the feeder vessel, and a therapeutic agent is delivered under pressure directly into the feeder vessel, where it is forced to penetrate deep into tissue. Pressure responsive elements for monitoring intravascular pressure are also provided to time delivery of the therapeutic agent for maximum uptake by the target organ. Methods for treating tissues and organs via vascular pathways are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for infusing a therapeutic. The method includes providing a microvalve device having an inner catheter longitudinally displaceable relative to an outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the inner catheter adjacent the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters such that longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter permits the filter valve to be reconfigured from a first configuration to a second configuration. The filter valve is advanced to a target location in via a blood vessel in which the filter valve is configured under tension. Then in an embodiment, the tension is released and the filter valve is placed under compression. Then the therapeutic agent is infused through the inner catheter and out of the orifice of the inner catheter beyond the filter valve.

Abstract: A method includes providing microvalve device having inner and outer catheters, and a filter valve attached to the distal end of the inner and outer catheters. Longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter moves the filter valve from a non-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration. With the inner catheter longitudinally advanced a first amount relative to the outer catheter, the filter valve is in a reduced first diameter for advancement of a guidewire to a target location. Once the filter valve reaches the target location, the inner catheter is moved relative to the outer catheter such that the filter valve assumes a larger second diameter. A therapeutic agent is infused through the inner catheter and beyond the filter valve.

Abstract: An endovascular treatment device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a vessel occluder coupled to the catheter. The occluder includes a construction of elastic filaments that are fixed to the outer surface of the catheter. The filaments extend radially and distally outward from their proximal ends and then invert and are fixed back at the catheter proximal of the distal end of the catheter. The occluder can be elastically deformed to fit vessels of various sizes. The catheter includes a lumen through which a therapeutic agent is delivered beyond the occluder.

Abstract: A system includes a device having inner and outer catheters, and a filter valve attached to the distal end of the inner and outer catheters. Longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter moves the filter valve from a non-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration. The device has a first configuration in which the distal end of the inner catheter is longitudinally advanced by a first distance relative to the distal end of the outer catheter and the filter valve assumes a stretched configuration, and a second configuration in which the distal end of the inner catheter is longitudinally advanced by a second distance relative to the distal end of the outer catheter to cause the filter valve to assume a diameter larger than in the stretched configuration.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a guide sheath, and a catheter provided with a pressure-controlled element. The pressure-control element preferably includes an expanded configuration adapted to extend across a small feeder vessel branching from the splenic vein. The pressure-control element is positioned with the feeder vessel, and a therapeutic agent is delivered under pressure directly into the feeder vessel, where it is forced to penetrate deep into tissue. Pressure responsive elements for monitoring intravascular pressure are also provided to time delivery of the therapeutic agent for maximum uptake by the target organ.

Abstract: Systems with pressure-responsive elements for monitoring intravascular pressure are also provided to time delivery of the therapeutic agent for maximum uptake by the target organ. Methods for treating tissues and organs via vascular pathways are provided.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a filter valve coupled to the catheters. The filter valve is dynamically reconfigurable to automatically block and permit fluid flow through a vessel based on a local fluid pressure conditions about the filter valve. In embodiments, the filter valve has a proximal end fixed to the catheter, and a distal end which may be movable over the catheter. The lumen of the inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a filter valve coupled to the catheters. The filter valve is dynamically reconfigurable to automatically block and permit fluid flow through a vessel based on a local fluid pressure conditions about the filter valve. In embodiments, the filter valve has a proximal end fixed to the catheter, and a distal end which may be movable over the catheter. The lumen of the inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a guide sheath, and a catheter provided with a pressure-controlled element. The pressure-control element preferably includes an expanded configuration adapted to extend across a small feeder vessel branching from the splenic vein. The pressure-control element is positioned with the feeder vessel, and a therapeutic agent is delivered under pressure directly into the feeder vessel, where it is forced to penetrate deep into tissue. Pressure responsive elements for monitoring intravascular pressure are also provided to time delivery of the therapeutic agent for maximum uptake by the target organ. Methods for treating tissues and organs via vascular pathways are provided.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a filter valve coupled to the catheters. The filter valve is dynamically reconfigurable to automatically block and permit fluid flow through a vessel based on a local fluid pressure conditions about the filter valve. In embodiments, the filter valve has a proximal end fixed to the catheter, and a distal end which may be movable over the catheter. The lumen of the inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: A method includes providing microvalve device having inner and outer catheters, and a filter valve attached to the distal end of the inner and outer catheters. Longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter moves the filter valve from a non-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration. With the inner catheter longitudinally advanced a first amount relative to the outer catheter, the filter valve is in a reduced first diameter for advancement of a guidewire to a target location. Once the filter valve reaches the target location, the inner catheter is moved relative to the outer catheter such that the filter valve assumes a larger second diameter. A therapeutic agent is infused through the inner catheter and beyond the filter valve.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter displaceable within the outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters. 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. 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 inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter displaceable within the outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters. 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. 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 inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter displaceable within the outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters. 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. 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 inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter displaceable within the outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters. 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. 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 inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter displaceable within the outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters. 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. 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 inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.