Abstract: Filters and method of manufacturing filters are disclosed herein. The filter has a substantially sack-like shape having a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The filter can be constructed from thin film. The filter material can be an organic or inorganic polymer. In one embodiment, the filter material is a polyurethane film having a thickness of les than 25 ?m. The filter can be constructed from one or more sections of filter material. In the two-section embodiment, the outer edges of the first and second sections are overlapped and bonded using solvent, heat or other bonding process. In the single-section embodiment, the outer edges of the first section are overlapped and bonded using bonding agents, such as solvent or adhesive, heat or other bonding process. Filters of the present invention have a reduced amount of hysteresis so as to reform to its original shape when deployed.

Abstract: A medical device for use in delivering RF energy to a tissue opening is disclosed. In one embodiment, the medical device comprises a compliant electrode. The compliant electrode can include a shape memory material, such as NITINOL, to facilitate the electrode having at least one relaxed orientation. The electrode can be deployed from a delivery shaft inside the left atrium, for example, of a heart through the delivery shaft. The electrode can be configured to substantially conform to the tissue proximate the tissue opening. After energy is applied to the tissue between the left and right electrodes, the left electrode can be removed from the left atrium by being received back into the delivery shaft and the delivery shaft thereafter removed from the opening.

Abstract: A medical system for treating an internal tissue opening can include a closure device and associated delivery device. The closure device can include a multi-cellular body portion operatively associated with a first anchor and a second anchor. The closure device can be configured to apply lateral force to tissue of the internal tissue opening for tissue approximation. The closure device can have a substantially flat aspect, and have a depth that is substantially greater than the thickness of a majority of the members forming the closure device. The closure device can also include an in-growth material. The delivery device can include an actuating assembly configured to partially deploy the closure device by a first movement, and deploy a second portion of the closure device by a second movement. The delivery device can also include a release assembly to selectively release or disconnect the closure device from the delivery device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter is cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A capture catheter is provided having a proximal end and a distal end. A tubular member extends between the distal end and the proximal end of the capture catheter. A capture sleeve is disposed at the distal end. An actuation assembly is disposed at the proximal end of the capture catheter. The actuation assembly includes a barrel having a plunger disposed therethrough, the plunger able to slide in the proximal and distal direction. The plunger is connected to a deploying member is disposed through a lumen extending through the tubular member. The deploying member is connected to the capture sleeve to translate movement in the distal and proximal directions. A flush port is provided aspirate the lumen having the deploying member. Stop mechanism are provided for preventing excessive movement in the distal and proximal directions.

Abstract: A delivery device adapted to insert and deploy a stent within a body lumen. The delivery device includes a guide member adapted to retain a dilation assembly and a stent within a lumen thereof until the stent is to be deployed into the body lumen. The delivery device is configured to enable simultaneous insertion of the guide member, dilation assembly, stent, and optional guidewire within a body lumen. Following deploying the stent, the delivery device can be removed, while providing the capability of optionally maintaining the guide member or the guidewire to function or act as an exchange wire for additional surgical devices.

Abstract: A delivery device adapted to insert and deploy a stent within a body lumen. The delivery device includes a guide member adapted to retain a dilation assembly and a stent within a lumen thereof until the stent is to be deployed into the body lumen. The delivery device is configured to enable simultaneous insertion of the guide member, dilation assembly, stent, and optional guidewire within a body lumen. Following deploying the stent, the delivery device can be removed, while providing the capability of optionally maintaining the guide member or the guidewire to function or act as an exchange wire for additional surgical devices.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter is cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.

Abstract: A filter device is adapted to function as a guidewire, an exchange guidewire, and provide embolic protection during a procedure. The filter device includes a filter assembly that is either integral with or coupled to a guide member. The filter assembly includes a plurality of struts that expand outwardly to deploy a filter that collects or captures material flowing along the blood vessel within which the filter device is deployed. The plurality of struts are constrained by a restraining member or mechanism that prevents the plurality of struts from expanding or extending outwardly to deploy the filter. Cooperating with the restraining member or mechanism is an actuating assembly that is adapted to release the restraining member or mechanism and enable the filter to be deployed from the guide member. A capture catheter that cooperates with the filter device and substantially surrounds the filter during removal of the filter device.