Abstract: A medical device may include a sheet member having a first surface and a second surface to engage a surface of a body tissue. The medical device may include an incision guide extending along a length of the sheet member. First and second portions of the sheet member may be positioned on respective first and second sides of the incision guide. The sheet member may be severable along the incision guide to separate the first portion and the second portion from one another. A first magnetic member may be positioned on the first portion, and a second magnetic member may be positioned on the second portion. The first and second magnetic members may be attracted to one another to magnetically couple the first portion and the second portion to one another. The medical device may include an alignment mechanism for aligning the separated first and second portions with one another.

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.

Abstract: Prosthetic valve devices, as well as systems and methods for the delivery thereof, are disclosed. A device includes one or more leaflets disposed within a frameless conduit, wherein the conduit is adapted for attachment to walls of a vascular vessel, and the leaflets are adapted for attachment to walls of the conduit. The leaflets are configured to selectively restrict blood flow through the conduit, and the conduit can include wall-engaging adaptations, for example, barbs or an adhesive. The conduit and the leaflets are formed with a flexible material, which may comprise a remodelable material and/or a synthetic polymer.

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: The disclosure relates to a flow-deflecting medical device comprising a support structure and two flow-deflecting members attached to the support structure. The first flow-deflecting member is movable to a position in which it contacts and substantially seals against the second flow-deflecting member.

Abstract: A medical system for performing a tissue biopsy at a remote location within a patient is disclosed. The medical system comprises an elongate outer cutting member, an elongate inner member movably disposed within the outer member, and a tissue traction member for anchoring bodily tissue and pulling a sample of the tissue within the outer cutting member.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same, are provided. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections, each of which can be covered with a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation to expose the covered projection. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: Medical device delivery systems that include a distal protection feature are provided. A distal tip member that includes a distal protection device and a mounting region for a self-expandable, intraluminal medical device is slidably disposed within a passageway defined by a tubular member.

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: 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: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same, are provided. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections, each of which can be covered with a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation to expose the covered projection. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject are also disclosed.

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: 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: Prosthetic valves, methods of making medical devices, and methods of treatment are provided. The prosthetic valves of the invention have a valve portion moveable between first and second positions, and a spacing member that has a thickness and protects a portion of the valve portion from contact with a wall of a vessel in which the prosthetic valve is implanted, and/or another structural component of the prosthetic valve, such as a support frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prosthetic valve for regulating flow through a body lumen. The medical device comprises discrete shaping members, a flexible covering, and a valve member. The discrete shaping members are operatively attached to the flexible covering, such that the medical device may exhibit low radial force and dynamic movement.

Abstract: A spiral catheter device and mechanism for placement thereof. The spiral catheter device comprises a catheter body including at least one helically coiled portion, with the interior region of the helix forming a tracking region for passage of a wire guide.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical devices for implantation in a body vessel, and methods of using and making the same. A medical device can include a frame with one or more projections each having at least one edge extending from the surface of the frame, and a biocompatible, water-soluble removable material coated over at least a portion of the at least one edge. The projections can be barbs positioned to engage the interior wall of a body vessel or to attach a material, such as a valve leaflet or graft, to the frame. The removable material can be dissolved within a body vessel upon implantation, thereby exposing the at least one edge. Methods of making an implantable medical device and methods of treating a subject 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 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.