Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid stent having a balloon-expandable portion joined to a self-expanding portion. The hybrid stent is capable of withstanding the forces applied by delivery. Delivery systems for deploying a hybrid stent are described, as are methods of using such delivery systems.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for self-expanding medical devices, such as stents. The delivery system has a restraining sheath that maintains the stent in a compressed state prior to deployment. The restraining sheath terminates distally from the deployment handle, and a wire connects the restraining sheath to the deployment handle. The restraining sheath is withdrawn from the stent to deploy the stent by pulling the wires proximally at the deployment handle.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for self-expanding medical devices, such as stents. The delivery system has a restraining sheath that maintains the stent in a compressed state prior to deployment. The restraining sheath terminates distally from the deployment handle, and a wire connects the restraining sheath to the deployment handle. The restraining sheath is withdrawn from the stent to deploy the stent by pulling the wires proximally at the deployment handle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly including a balloon catheter as an inner catheter for the delivery of a self-expanding stent. The delivery assembly may lack a separate pusher structure. A method of using a single assembly to delivery a self-expanding stent and provide a post-dilatation step is also described herein.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including a device having an expandable portion and a transitional portion. The transitional portion has a spiral cut on the outer surface, and is aligned with the distal portion of a catheter. The transitional portion may be secured to the catheter by a sleeve which is coupled to both the catheter and the transitional portion. Alternatively, the portion of the transitional portion having the spiral cut may be embedded within the catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly including a balloon catheter as an inner catheter for the delivery of a self-expanding stent. The delivery assembly may lack a separate pusher structure. A method of using a single assembly to delivery a self-expanding stent and provide a post-dilatation step is also described herein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hybrid stent having a balloon-expandable portion joined to a self-expanding portion. The hybrid stent is capable of withstanding the forces applied by delivery. Delivery systems for deploying a hybrid stent are described, as are methods of using such delivery systems.

Abstract: A method of treating a thrombus is provided wherein a device is advanced to the vicinity of the thrombus, a thrombolytic agent is applied to the thrombus, and an expandable basket of the device is expanded to capture at least a portion of the thrombus within the expandable basket. The device includes a catheter having a distal portion, a lumen and a plurality of openings on the outer surface of the catheter, through which the thrombolytic agent is supplied. The device further includes a sheath and may include a collar which assists in expanding the expandable basket as the sheath is moved relative to the catheter.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including, an expandable tip which is embedded within a sheath. The expandable tip comprises a plurality of fingers which extend distally from the embedded portion. The plurality of fingers are heat set in a first position so that the distal ends of the fingers define a distal opening, where the distal opening has a smaller diameter than the embedded portion of the expandable tip. The plurality of fingers is reversibly expandable to a second position, creating a larger distal opening to deploy an expandable accessory.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including, an expandable tip which is embedded within a sheath. The expandable tip comprises a plurality of fingers which extend distally from the embedded portion. The plurality of fingers are heat set in a first position so that the distal ends of the fingers define a distal opening, where the distal opening has a smaller diameter than the embedded portion of the expandable tip. The plurality of fingers is reversibly expandable to a second position, creating a larger distal opening to deploy an expandable accessory.

Abstract: A delivery system for a self-expanding medical device is provided. The delivery system includes an outer sheath that radially restrains the medical device. First and second inner catheters are disposed within the outer sheath. The first inner catheter is a composite structure with a closed coil wire covered by a polymer outer layer. The second inner catheter is disposed within the closed coil wire but is not attached to the closed coil wire.

Abstract: A method of treating a thrombus is provided wherein a device is advanced to the vicinity of the thrombus, a thrombolytic agent is applied to the thrombus, and an expandable basket of the device is expanded to capture at least a portion of the thrombus within the expandable basket. The device includes a catheter having a distal portion, a lumen and a plurality of openings on the outer surface of the catheter, through which the thrombolytic agent is supplied. The device further includes a sheath and may include a collar which assists in expanding the expandable basket as the sheath is moved relative to the catheter.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including, an expandable tip which is embedded within a sheath. The expandable tip comprises a plurality of fingers which extend distally from the embedded portion. The plurality of fingers are heat set in a first position so that the distal ends of the fingers define a distal opening, where the distal opening has a smaller diameter than the embedded portion of the expandable tip. The plurality of fingers is reversibly expandable to a second position, creating a larger distal opening to deploy an expandable accessory.

Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including a device having an expandable portion and a transitional portion. The transitional portion has a spiral cut on the outer surface, and is aligned with the distal portion of a catheter. The transitional portion may be secured to the catheter by a sleeve which is coupled to both the catheter and the transitional portion. Alternatively, the portion of the transitional portion having the spiral cut may be embedded within the catheter.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for self-expanding medical devices, such as stents. The delivery system has a restraining sheath that maintains the stent in a compressed state prior to deployment. The restraining sheath terminates distally from the deployment handle, and a wire connects the restraining sheath to the deployment handle. The restraining sheath is withdrawn from the stent to deploy the stent by pulling the wires proximally at the deployment handle.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system is provided including a restraining sheath and a medical device disposed therein. The sheath may include an elongated tubular inner liner having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The sheath includes a medical device nesting region located near its distal end. The sheath also may include a strengthening layer and an outer layer. While the outer diameter of the medical device nesting region can be generally constant or partially tapered, an inner diameter of the medical device nesting region generally increases towards the distal end. Methods for manufacturing various components of the medical device delivery system are also disclosed.