Abstract: A system for removing matter from a partially or totally occluded stent includes a cutter that is urged radially outward toward the inner surface of the stent. Preferably, the cutter has a hardness that is less than or equal to the hardness of the material used to make the stent. Aspiration may be provided to remove portions of the occluding material from the vessel.

Abstract: Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing intravascular endarterectomy. Methods includes intravascularly advancing a catheter having a carbon dioxide delivering distal end past a plaque-occluded vessel site, passing the distal end between the plaque and vessel wall. Other methods include intravascularly advancing paddles between plaque and vessel walls, including ultrasonic imaging paddles, ultrasonic vibrating paddles, and mechanically vibrating paddles. Some methods include providing intravascular devices having radially expandable jaws or paddles, and advancing those jaws or paddles along vessel walls to separate plaque from vessel walls. Still other methods include providing an anchoring guide catheter adapted to establish a suction grip around the left coronary artery ostium, and to use the anchored guide catheter to support intravascularly introduced endarterectomy devices operating on plaque in the left main coronary artery.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cold-treating lesions within the body. A temperature monitoring device for use with a cryo therapy apparatus may include a cryo therapy apparatus, one or more tubular members coupled to the cryo therapy apparatus, and a temperature monitoring member coupled to the tubular member. The temperature monitoring member may comprise a retractable needle, an infrared sensor, an ultrasound transmitter, or a stent having a plurality of spikes.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to the field of cryo balloon therapy and the use of cryo balloon therapy catheters to generate cold-induced lesions. The present invention includes a cryo balloon therapy apparatus, comprising a catheter having a proximal and a distal end, a cooling member disposed at the distal end of the catheter, a pull cord coupled to the cooling member, and a sheath that couples the pull cord and the catheter. A method for causing cold-induced necrosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hemostatic insert is provided for closing a puncture site in a blood vessel wall. The insert includes an expandable hemostatic member comprising a biocompatible water soluble gel configured to expand from a compressed state when exposed to body fluid and seal the puncture site in the blood vessel wall. A control layer surrounds the hemostatic member and delays expansion of the hemostatic member.

Abstract: A closure device closes an opening in a body cavity. The closure device includes a closure member that has an external, tissue-engaging surface formed with tissue engaging surface irregularities. An elongate member is disconnectably connected to the closure member.

Abstract: A device for treating arrhythmia comprising an endoluminal member implantable within a region of a vascular lumen, wherein the member is configured to contact an inner wall of the lumen and alter the properties of tissue proximate the region. Methods of treating arrhythmias using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating plaque from vessel walls using everting membranes. Everting tubes disposed on catheters are used in one embodiment of the invention to separate plaque from blood vessel walls. One embodiment of the invention utilizes a single everting membrane including a fixed portion, a leading edge, and an advancing portion. The everting tube can have an interior which can be pressurized to propel the everting tube distal edge distally onward, so as to separate the plaque from the vessel inner wall. One device has double everting membranes fixedly attached to a tubular member and having facing advancing membrane portions which may be proximally fixed relative to one another, but are preferably both free to travel distally. The outermost tube can be laid down over the vessel inner wall and the innermost tube laid down over the plaque, with the advancing surfaces of each everting membrane facing each other.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cold-treating lesions within the body. A temperature monitoring device for use with a cryo therapy apparatus may include a cryo therapy apparatus, one or more tubular members coupled to the cryo therapy apparatus, and a temperature monitoring member coupled to the tubular member. The temperature monitoring member may comprise a retractable needle, an infrared sensor, an ultrasound transmitter, or a stent having a plurality of spikes.

Abstract: A cryoplasty catheter and method for preventing or slowing reclosure of a lesion following angioplasty. The cryoplasty catheter includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a dilatation balloon disposed at the distal end. An intake lumen and exhaust lumen are defined by the shaft to deliver coolant to the balloon and to exhaust or drain coolant from the balloon. The method in accordance with the present invention includes cooling a lesion to aid in remodeling the lesion through dilatation and/or freezing a portion of the lesion adjacent the dilatation balloon to kill cells within the lesion to prevent or retard restenosis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to devices for causing cold-induced necrosis or apoptosis. The present invention includes a cryo therapy apparatus including a core member; a cryoplasty tube coupled to the core member, the cryoplasty tube having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the distal end includes a coil disposed about at least a portion of the tubular sheath, the coil including at least one opening; an outer tube disposed over at least a portion of the cryoplasty tube; and a cooling member disposed over the coil and coupled to the outer tube. A method of causing cold-induced necrosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to the field of cryo balloon therapy and the use of cryo balloon therapy catheters to generate cold-induced lesions. The present invention includes a cryo balloon therapy apparatus, comprising a catheter having a proximal and a distal end, a cooling member disposed at the distal end of the catheter, a pull cord coupled to the cooling member, and a sheath that couples the pull cord and the catheter. A method for causing cold-induced necrosis is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intravascular device and methods for forming multiple percutaneous myocardial revascularization (PMR) holes in a heart chamber wall simultaneously. One device includes a basket formed of flexible arms carrying cutting probes over their length. The basket arms are outwardly arcuately biased so as to assume an outwardly bowed, arcuate shape when unconstrained. The device includes an inner shaft distally secured to a proximal portion of the basket and slidably disposed within an outer shaft. The inner shaft and collapsed basket can be retracted within the outer shaft, delivered intravascularly to the left ventricle, and distally advanced, forcing the basket to assume the bowed shape. Radio frequency current supplied to the electrical cutting probes burn holes into the ventricle wall and myocardium. One embodiment has high pressure fluid jet cutting means. Another embodiment uses a basket as an anchor to position a steerable cutting probe.

Abstract: A magnetic clamp assembly for an elongated flexible medical device. The clamp assembly includes magnetic clamp members operably coupled to clamp a portion of the flexible medical device to secure the medical device during treatment.

Abstract: A cryoplasty catheter and method for preventing or slowing reclosure of a lesion following angioplasty. The cryoplasty catheter includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a dilatation balloon disposed at the distal end. An intake lumen and exhaust lumen are defined by the shaft to deliver coolant to the balloon and to exhaust or drain coolant from the balloon. The method in accordance with the present invention includes cooling a lesion to aid in remodeling the lesion through dilatation and/or freezing a portion of the lesion adjacent the dilatation balloon to kill cells within the lesion to prevent or retard restenosis.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing cryo therapy, cryo ablation or cryoplasty. A cryo therapy apparatus may comprise an elongate shaft, a cooling member disposed at the distal end of the shaft, and a pressure gauge coupled to the cooling member.

Abstract: A percutaneous system for bypassing a restriction in a native vessel of a mammal having an aorta includes providing a graft having a body portion with a first end, a second end and a lumen therebetween. An aperture is formed in the aorta. The graft is inserted into the aorta and the first end of the graft is connected to the aorta about the aperture in the aorta. An aperture is then formed in the native vessel distal of the restriction. The second end of the graft is connected to the native vessel about the aperture therein such that the lumen in the graft communicates with the aorta and the native vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cold-treating lesions within the body. A temperature monitoring device for use with a cryo therapy apparatus may include a cryo therapy apparatus, one or more tubular members coupled to the cryo therapy apparatus, and a temperature monitoring member coupled to the tubular member. The temperature monitoring member may comprise a retractable needle, an infrared sensor, an ultrasound transmitter, or a stent having a plurality of spikes.

Abstract: A percutaneous system for bypassing a restriction in a native vessel of a mammal having an aorta includes providing a graft having a body portion with a first end, a second end and a lumen therebetween. An aperture is formed in the aorta. The graft is inserted into the aorta and the first end of the graft is connected to the aorta about the aperture in the aorta. An aperture is then formed in the native vessel distal of the restriction. The second end of the graft is connected to the native vessel about the aperture therein such that the lumen in the graft communicates with the aorta and the native vessel.