Abstract: Some aspects of the present invention are directed to unique products and methods for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In some preferred forms, an inventive construct will include an elongate graft body that incorporates a plurality of sheet or sheet-like segments. The plurality of sheet or sheet-like segments, in some arrangements, will be stacked in a generally longitudinal direction along the length of the plug body, and optionally, the segments will be received over one or more elongate elements. Elongate elements of this sort can take a variety of forms including a suture, wire, filament, or other relatively thin-bodied elongate member, although in some forms, an elongate element will be or include a somewhat heftier structure such as a biodegradable or non-biodegradable three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal medical device includes first, second and third wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members. The medical device can be used by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, medical devices deliverable into passageways and other open spaces in the body. In one embodiment, the invention provides a fistula plug for delivery into a fistula tract. This fistula plug includes an elongate plug body, and a removable core material that is received in the plug body and effective to increase the column strength of the plug body. The plug body may be formed with one or more of a variety of biocompatible materials including some that are naturally derived and some that are non-naturally derived. The present invention also provides apparatuses and methods for delivering these and other medical devices into the body. One such apparatus includes a fistula plug having a plug body, and a removable delivery device received in the plug body, wherein the delivery device is effective to deliver the plug body into a fistula tract when advanced therethrough.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal filter includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members to form an opening between the wire members. Each connecting member of a plurality of connecting members is connected to the first and second wire members and extends across the opening. The plurality of connecting members provides a plurality of open cells that permit passage of fluid flow through the opening when the filter is deployed within a body vessel.

Abstract: A medical device for use in extraction of emboli from a body vessel is described. The medical device includes a tubular member comprising a proximal end and extending to a distal end, and a collection member having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and being movable therebetween, the collection member having an apical end disposed to the distal end of the tubular member and extending to a basal end defining a body portion therebetween, the apical and basal ends having a second lumen formed therethrough and in fluid communication with the tubular member, the collection member comprising at least one port formed through the body portion.

Abstract: A stent having a main linear strut and at least two secondary struts. The main linear strut includes an outer member and an inner member. A distal end of one secondary strut may be attached to a distal end of the inner member. A proximal end of a secondary strut may be attached to a proximal end of the outer member. The ends of the secondary struts that are not attached to the inner and outer member may be joined. Methods of delivering such a stent and collapsing and withdrawing such a stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed embodiments of a vascular filter having, among other things, a plurality of discrete segments, each having two or more loops and an extension. The loops of each segment can be connected to form a dome or conical shaped end with an unblocked central opening. Prongs and beads may be provided to enhance visualization and anchoring in a vessel. Methods for inserting and moving or removing the filter from the vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present invention are directed to unique products and methods for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In some preferred forms, an inventive construct will include an elongate graft body that incorporates a plurality of sheet or sheet-like segments. The plurality of sheet or sheet-like segments, in some arrangements, will be stacked in a generally longitudinal direction along the length of the plug body, and optionally, the segments will be received over one or more elongate elements. Elongate elements of this sort can take a variety of forms including a suture, wire, filament, or other relatively thin-bodied elongate member, although in some forms, an elongate element will be or include a somewhat heftier structure such as a biodegradable or non-biodegradable three-dimensional body.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present invention are directed to unique products and methods for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In some preferred forms, an inventive construct will include an elongate graft body that incorporates a plurality of sheet or sheet-like segments. The plurality of sheet or sheet-like segments, in some arrangements, will be stacked in a generally longitudinal direction along the length of the plug body, and optionally, the segments will be received over one or more elongate elements. Elongate elements of this sort can take a variety of forms including a suture, wire, filament, or other relatively thin-bodied elongate member, although in some forms, an elongate element will be or include a somewhat heftier structure such as a biodegradable or non-biodegradable three-dimensional body.

Abstract: A stent having a main linear strut and at least two secondary struts. The main linear strut includes an outer member and an inner member. A distal end of one secondary strut may be attached to a distal end of the inner member. A proximal end of a secondary strut may be attached to a proximal end of the outer member. The ends of the secondary struts that are not attached to the inner and outer member may be joined. Methods of delivering such a stent and collapsing and withdrawing such a stent are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly used for extracorporeal treatment, such as dialysis, of blood or other body fluid, includes an outer and inner catheter in a coaxial relationship. A fluid path is provided by a passageway defined between the catheters and a distal end of the outer catheter, and another fluid path is provided through a lumen and a distal end of the inner catheter. A sealing member is coupled to one of the catheters. The member in a first position is configured to permit the distal ends of the catheters to transport fluid, while in a second position the member is configured to inhibit at least one of the distal ends from transporting fluid. The sealing member may include a flared portion for enhance sealing. The sealing member may also have a portion extending outward from the catheters to position the distal ends away from vessel contact.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal filter includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members to form an opening between the wire members. Each connecting member of a plurality of connecting members is connected to the first and second wire members and extends across the opening. The plurality of connecting members provides a plurality of open cells that permit passage of fluid flow through the opening when the filter is deployed within a body vessel.

Abstract: A low profile intraluminal medical device includes first, second and third wire members that define arcuate paths having only a single sigmoidal curve. Connectors join the wire members. The medical device can be used by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses for delivering fistula plugs into fistulae having at least a primary fistula opening, a secondary fistula opening, and a fistula tract extending therebetween. Illustratively, some inventive methods involve delivering a fistula plug into a fistula tract through a primary fistula opening and toward a secondary fistula opening, while others involve delivering a fistula plug into a fistula tract through a secondary fistula opening and toward a primary fistula opening. In certain aspects, a fistula plug is pushed and/or pulled through a fistula tract along a guidewire or other plug-guiding device, potentially protected by a protective delivery device such as a sheath, capsule or other suitable delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Methods of reducing retrograde fluid flow through a valve within a body vessel are provided. The methods can include the steps of identifying a valve exhibiting an undesirable amount of retrograde fluid flow within a body vessel, such as a venous valve or a heart valve, and providing a means for reducing the retrograde fluid flow. A medical device providing a desired amount of retrograde fluid flow can be modified after permitting the medical device to remain in a body cavity for a remodeling-effective time period. The implanted medical device can be modified by subsequently reducing the amount of retrograde fluid flow permitted across the implanted prosthetic valve within the body vessel.

Abstract: A low profile support frame for use as or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members. A stabilizing member has a proximal end contained within one of the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for treating fistulae and other passageways and openings in the body. In certain aspects, an anchored suture is provided that extends from at or near a first fistula opening and through a fistula tract toward a second fistula opening. Various modes of anchoring may be used in this regard including, in some modes, having the suture extend from a deployed anchoring member positioned in and/or around the first opening. The anchored suture, which has a more slender cross sectional dimension relative to the fistula tract through which it extends, is capable of receiving an optional fill substance therealong in the tract. A fill substance can be or include a variety of biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable objects and materials including flowable and non-flowable materials.

Abstract: A low profile support frame for use as or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members. A stabilizing member has a proximal end contained within one of the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member, a locking assembly engaged with a proximal end of the tubular member, and a tension member for drawing a distal end of the tubular member into a desired configuration. The locking assembly includes a connector, a locking arm, and a locking mechanism. The connector has an exterior surface profile that corresponds with an interior surface profile of the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably attached to the connector to enable pivoting movement of the locking arm between an unlocked position and a locked position whereby the tension member is secured between the locking arm and the connector when the arm is in the locked position. The locking assembly may alternatively comprise a connector and a sliding sleeve or a connector having a clamping element disposed therein.

Abstract: A low profile support frame for use as an or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members, and barbs can be disposed on the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.