Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: An intravascular emboli capture and retrieval system for intravascular embolism protection and embolism removal or maceration. Guidewire mounted proximally and distally located multiple opening filters are deployed within the vasculature and used to part, divide and macerate embolic debris and to capture such embolic debris within the confines thereof. A deployable flexible preformed memory shaped capture sleeve is alternatively used to collapse one or more filters and embolic debris therein for subsequent proximal withdrawal from the vasculature.

Abstract: An accessory device may be used in combination with a thrombectomy catheter. The accessory device may be configured to deflect a distal portion of the thrombectomy catheter and/or disrupt a lesion in a vessel.

Abstract: A matter elimination catheter includes a catheter body extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion. The catheter body includes an infusion lumen, an aspiration lumen fluidly isolated from the infusion lumen, and a septum interposed between the infusion and aspiration lumens. A drive shaft is within the infusion lumen and is configured to provide rotation near the catheter distal portion. A guide wire lumen is within the drive shaft, and the infusion lumen, the drive shaft and the guide wire lumen are fluidly separated from the aspiration lumen with the septum. In one example, fluid bearings are formed between one or more of the catheter body and drive shaft or the drive shaft and a guide wire or guide wire liner when supplied with infusion fluid through the infusion lumen.

Abstract: A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system is provided for the removal of thrombus, lesions and the like including provisions for the infusion of drugs, lysing fluids and the like into a blood vessel. Physician controlled powered direct fluid jet streams emanate from a fluid jet emanatory in the form of robust radially directed fluid jet streams to impinge upon and ablate difficult and strong thrombus and lesions within a blood vessel. Effluent aspiration is controlled by an exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump, but effluent removal can be assistingly influenced by the fluid pressure associated with the radially directed fluid jet streams.

Abstract: An accessory device may be used in combination with a thrombectomy catheter. The accessory device may be configured to deflect a distal portion of the thrombectomy catheter and/or disrupt a lesion in a vessel.

Abstract: A matter elimination catheter includes a catheter body extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion. The catheter body includes an infusion lumen, an aspiration lumen fluidly isolated from the infusion lumen, and a septum interposed between the infusion and aspiration lumens. A drive shaft is within the infusion lumen and is configured to provide rotation near the catheter distal portion. A guide wire lumen is within the drive shaft, and the infusion lumen, the drive shaft and the guide wire lumen are fluidly separated from the aspiration lumen with the septum. In one example, fluid bearings are formed between one or more of the catheter body and drive shaft or the drive shaft and a guide wire or guide wire liner when supplied with infusion fluid through the infusion lumen.

Abstract: A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system is provided for the removal of thrombus, lesions and the like including provisions for the infusion of drugs, lysing fluids and the like into a blood vessel. Physician controlled powered direct fluid jet streams emanate from a fluid jet emanatory in the form of robust radially directed fluid jet streams to impinge upon and ablate difficult and strong thrombus and lesions within a blood vessel. Effluent aspiration is controlled by an exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump, but effluent removal can be assistingly influenced by the fluid pressure associated with the radially directed fluid jet streams.

Abstract: An infusion catheter system may deliver a therapeutic agent to a desired location in the body. The system may include an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a distal opening, and a lumen extending between the proximal end region and distal opening. The distal end region may include a coiled portion having a preformed coiled configuration including a plurality of helically wound rings. A plurality of apertures may be formed through a sidewall of the coiled portion. A guidewire may be configured to be slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter shaft. The guidewire may include a proximal end region having a first cross-sectional dimension, an enlarged distal end region having a second cross sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension, and an intermediate region disposed between the proximal end region and the distal end region.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a medical implant system may include a first part fixedly attached to a distal end of an elongate shaft, the first part having a first longitudinal lumen configured to slidably receive a release wire disposed within the elongate shaft, and a second part fixedly attached to a proximal end of a medical implant, the second part having a second longitudinal lumen configured to slidably receive the release wire. A tubular distal portion of the second part may include an engagement feature configured to non-releasably engage the second part with the medical implant.

Abstract: An infusion system includes a double action infusion pump. The pump includes a cylinder and a reciprocating piston received within the cylinder, the reciprocating piston separating a first pump chamber from a second pump chamber of the cylinder. A reciprocating motor is coupled with the reciprocating piston, and the first and second pump chambers alternate between filling and evacuating conditions with reciprocation of the reciprocating piston through operation of the reciprocating motor, and the speed of reciprocation is varied to provide a continuous output of fluid between the first and second pump chambers. A fluid source and a catheter are optionally coupled with the double action infusion pump. The catheter includes one or more infusion ports near a catheter distal portion, and the one or more infusion ports receive and expel the continuous output of fluid from the double action infusion pump.

Abstract: An atherectomy system includes a composite atherectomy burr including a first atherectomy burr component formed of a first material having a first material property and a second atherectomy burr component formed of a second material having a second material property, the second atherectomy burr component extending within and secured to the first atherectomy burr component, a drive mechanism adapted to rotatably actuate the composite atherectomy burr and a controller that is adapted to regulate operation of the drive mechanism. The second atherectomy burr component may be mechanically secured to the first atherectomy burr component.

Abstract: An intravascular emboli capture and retrieval system for intravascular embolism protection and embolism removal or maceration. Guidewire mounted proximally and distally located multiple opening filters are deployed within the vasculature and used to part, divide and macerate embolic debris and to capture such embolic debris within the confines thereof. A deployable flexible preformed memory shaped capture sleeve is alternatively used to collapse one or more filters and embolic debris therein for subsequent proximal withdrawal from the vasculature.

Abstract: An accessory device may be used in combination with a thrombectomy catheter. The accessory device may be configured to deflect a distal portion of the thrombectomy catheter and/or disrupt a lesion in a vessel.

Abstract: An occlusive medical device system may include an elongate shaft having a distal strain relief portion and a lumen extending longitudinally through the elongate shaft, the elongate shaft including a plurality of retaining arms extending distally from the distal strain relief portion; an occlusive medical device including a proximal mounting portion fixed to an expandable occlusive element; and a release wire disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft. The plurality of retaining arms may extend into the proximal mounting portion. The release wire may be configured to engage the plurality of retaining arms in a distal engagement position, thereby urging the plurality of retaining arms radially outward into releasable engagement with the proximal mounting portion. When the release wire is in a proximal released position, the plurality of retaining arms is deflectable radially inward to disengage from the proximal mounting portion.

Abstract: An accessory device may be used in combination with a thrombectomy catheter. The accessory device may be configured to deflect a distal portion of the thrombectomy catheter and/or disrupt a lesion in a vessel.

Abstract: An intravascular emboli capture and retrieval system for intravascular embolism protection and embolism removal or maceration. Guidewire mounted proximally and distally located multiple opening filters are deployed within the vasculature and used to part, divide and macerate embolic debris and to capture such embolic debris within the confines thereof. A deployable flexible preformed memory shaped capture sleeve is alternatively used to collapse one or more filters and embolic debris therein for subsequent proximal withdrawal from the vasculature.

Abstract: A matter elimination catheter includes a catheter body extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion. The catheter body includes an infusion lumen, an aspiration lumen fluidly isolated from the infusion lumen, and a septum interposed between the infusion and aspiration lumens. A drive shaft is within the infusion lumen and is configured to provide rotation near the catheter distal portion. A guide wire lumen is within the drive shaft, and the infusion lumen, the drive shaft and the guide wire lumen are fluidly separated from the aspiration lumen with the septum. In one example, fluid bearings are formed between one or more of the catheter body and drive shaft or the drive shaft and a guide wire or guide wire liner when supplied with infusion fluid through the infusion lumen.

Abstract: An infusion catheter system may deliver a therapeutic agent to a desired location in the body. The system may include an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region, a distal opening, and a lumen extending between the proximal end region and distal opening. The distal end region may include a coiled portion having a preformed coiled configuration including a plurality of helically wound rings. A plurality of apertures may be formed through a sidewall of the coiled portion. A guidewire may be configured to be slidably disposed within the lumen of the catheter shaft. The guidewire may include a proximal end region having a first cross-sectional dimension, an enlarged distal end region having a second cross sectional dimension greater than the first cross-sectional dimension, and an intermediate region disposed between the proximal end region and the distal end region.

Abstract: A matter elimination catheter includes a catheter body extending from a catheter proximal portion to a catheter distal portion. The catheter body includes an infusion lumen, an aspiration lumen fluidly isolated from the infusion lumen, and a septum interposed between the infusion and aspiration lumens. A drive shaft is within the infusion lumen and is configured to provide rotation near the catheter distal portion. A guide wire lumen is within the drive shaft, and the infusion lumen, the drive shaft and the guide wire lumen are fluidly separated from the aspiration lumen with the septum. In one example, fluid bearings are formed between one or more of the catheter body and drive shaft or the drive shaft and a guide wire or guide wire liner when supplied with infusion fluid through the infusion lumen.