Abstract: A method of mounting a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method securely mounts the drug delivery stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises positioning a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding, to mount the stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent.

Abstract: A method of mounting a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method securely mounts the drug delivery stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent. In one embodiment, the method generally comprises positioning a drug delivery stent on a balloon of a balloon catheter, and positioning the balloon with the drug delivery stent thereon within a polished bore of a mold formed at least in part of a metallic material. The balloon is pressurized and heated within the mold as the mold radially restrains the stent from expanding, to mount the stent on the balloon without damaging the drug delivery layer of the stent.

Abstract: A universal cutter for catheters includes a lead fixation feature having a deflectable lower portion and a hinge portion. The deflectable lower portion and the hinge portion of the lead fixation feature allow the cutter to hold and secure leads having varying outer diameters. The cutter holds the lead in place while a guide catheter is moved in a proximal direction toward a blade on the cutter to be split from about the lead.

Abstract: A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.

Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, is capable of enabling at least one operator to control the delivery and removal of an embolic protection device to a position in a patient's vasculature distal to an interventional procedure site, to enable the exchange of the delivery and recovery system. The system, in another embodiment thereof, includes a delivery system and a recovery system which are capable of enabling the delivery and recovery of an embolic protection device so as to maintain a clinically acceptable profile and flexibility through the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: An apparatus for recording an audio file allows a user to establish a telephony connection with a call processing and recording system. Once the telephony connection is established and it is determined that the user is a registered user, the user records an audio file. The user then has the ability to playback, edit and re-record the audio file until satisfactory. Once satisfactory the recorded audio file and an associated title are stored at the call processing and recording system. The recorded audio file is then reviewed to ensure that the quality and content of the recorded audio file is acceptable. If acceptable, the recorded audio file, the associated title and user information are then transmitted from the call processing and recording system to an associated internet server. When the internet server receives the recorded audio file and accompanying data, this information is then stored in a recording database.

Abstract: A method of interactive, automated registration, negotiation and marketing for combining products and services from one or more vendors together to be sold as a unit allows vendors of products and services to post information about their products/services on a server, preferably accessible over the internet, for inclusion within bundles or collections of products and/or services. Bundle vendors then generate bundles of products/services by viewing and selecting available products/services from the posted available products/services. Members accessing the bundle system are able to view, select and purchase bundles generated and posted by the bundle vendors. The members and vendors preferably access the bundle server over the internet through the public switched telephone network.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter having an expandable inflation region adapted for centering a radiation dose in a body lumen for a period of time sufficient to permit delivery of a radiation dose to the body lumen. The catheter includes a delivery lumen, and a blind internal lumen for receiving a wire having a radiation source located at the distal end of the wire. The blind internal lumen is received in the delivery lumen of the catheter. The blind internal lumen prevents contamination of the radiation source by fluids from the body lumen. The radiation source is advanced through the blind internal lumen towards the inflation region of the catheter. The inflation region includes a plurality of balloon lobes at the distal end of the catheter. The plurality of balloon lobes, when inflated, can center the radiation source within a curved section of the body lumen.