Abstract: A microcatheter for delivering embolic agent to a vascular site is provided. The microcatheter has a biocompatible or biocompatible and biodegradable tip which can be detachably engaged to the microcatheter body by a thermoplastic sleeve. Once the embolic agent is delivered to the desired vascular site, the tip of the microcatheter is often entrapped within the mass of the liquid embolic fluid. Using the microcatheter, the clinician can retract the microcatheter at a predetermined retraction force thereby disengaging the tip from the microcatheter body allowing for easier removal of the microcatheter.

Abstract: A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body, comprising: a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the filter element is unrestrained, and an elongate support member, the filter being carried on a portion of the elongate support member, wherein the filter element has proximal and distal portions and a central portion, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximal facing opening, and wherein the proximal portion of the filter element comprises a radiopaque element in the form of a discontinuous loop extending around a portion of a perimeter of the proximal facing opening, the discontinuous loop having a gap and the gap being proximate to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A microcatheter for delivering embolic agent to a vascular site is provided. The microcatheter has a biocompatible or biocompatible and biodegradable tip which can be detachably engaged to the microcatheter body by a thermoplastic sleeve. Once the embolic agent is delivered to the desired vascular site, the tip of the microcatheter is often entrapped within the mass of the liquid embolic fluid. Using the microcatheter, the clinician can retract the microcatheter at a predetermined retraction force thereby disengaging the tip from the microcatheter body allowing for easier removal of the microcatheter.

Abstract: A microcatheter for delivering embolic agent to a vascular site is provided. The microcatheter has a biocompatible or biocompatible and biodegradable tip which can be detachable engaged to the microcatheter body by a thermoplastic sleeve. Once the embolic agent is delivered to the desired vascular site, the tip of the microcatheter is often entrapped within the mass of the liquid embolic fluid. Using the microcatheter, the clinician can retract the microcatheter at a predetermined retraction force thereby disengaging the tip from the microcatheter body allowing for easier removal of the microcatheter.

Abstract: A microcatheter for delivering embolic agent to a vascular site is provided. The microcatheter has a biocompatible or biocompatible and biodegradable tip which can be detachable engaged to the microcatheter body by a thermoplastic sleeve. Once the embolic agent is delivered to the desired vascular site, the tip of the microcatheter is often entrapped within the mass of the liquid embolic fluid. Using the microcatheter, the clinician can retract the microcatheter at a predetermined retraction force thereby disengaging the tip from the microcatheter body allowing for easier removal of the microcatheter.

Abstract: A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body. The device including a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the filter element is unrestrained, and an elongate support member, the filter being carried on a portion of the elongate support member. The filter element has proximal and distal portions and a central portion, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximal facing opening, and the proximal portion of the filter element includes a radiopaque element in the form of a discontinuous loop extending around a portion of a perimeter of the proximal facing opening, the discontinuous loop having a gap and the gap being proximate to the elongate support member.

Abstract: A device for filtering emboli from blood flowing through a lumen defined by the walls of a vessel in a patient's body, comprising: a filter element being expandable from a collapsed configuration when the filter element is restrained to an expanded configuration when the filter element is unrestrained, and an elongate support member, the filter being carried on a portion of the elongate support member, wherein the filter element has proximal and distal portions and a central portion, the filter element having a shape in the expanded configuration which defines a cavity having a proximal facing opening, and wherein the proximal portion of the filter element comprises a radiopaque element in the form of a discontinuous loop extending around a portion of a perimeter of the proximal facing opening, the discontinuous loop having a gap and the gap being proximate to the elongate support member.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods for treating aneurysms wherein the aneurysmal sac is filled with a non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or with a fluid composition which solidifies in situ. Filling of the aneurysmal sac employs sufficient amount of the non-particulate agent or plurality of such agents and/or the fluid composition to inhibit blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In addition, the methods of this invention also provide for non-endogenous isolation of the parent artery proximal and distal to the aneurysmal sac from systemic blood flow of the treated mammal. The combination of these features provides for treatment of the aneurysmal sac while, at the same time, inhibiting aneurysm formation and/or regrowth in the diseased portions of the arterial wall proximal and distal to the treated aneurysm.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for vascular reconstruction of diseased, non-aneurysmal arteries.

Abstract: A device for providing access to a living body. The device, in one embodiment, includes a slotted needle dimensioned and configured to receive, in fluid tight engagement, a catheter or a guidewire introduced into the needle through the slot. The device, in another embodiment, includes a sharpened, slotted first tube, a second tube piercable by the first tube for receipt therein of at least a potion of both the first tube and the slot, and an elongated element passing into the second tube, through the slot and into the first tube. The device might further include a third tube slidably positioned around the second tube.

Abstract: This invention involves a lighting system for a portable borescope in which the light is turned on and off at video frequencies and the duration of actuation is controlled in relation to the illumination picked up by the video imager in the distal end of the borescope insertion tube. By turning off the lamp for a significant portion of the duty cycle, a significant amount of power is saved, allowing use of the system in a battery operated borescope.

Abstract: A portable steerable borescope has a cable bendable steering section adjacent the viewing head, a servo control mechanism for the actuation cables of the bendable steering section, a joystick for actuating the steering section which is located remotely from the insertion tube and a control module/battery pack containing all the operating functions except for the video display which is a standard JVC portable color video monitor, all of which cooperate to yield a compact and portable industrial video borescope that can be used in remote locations as well as in conventional commercial power environments. Special circuitry has been provided to limit power consumption allowing over one hour remote operation without external power or large, heavy cumbersome batteries.

Abstract: This invention involves a cable bendable borescope in which opposing cable pairs are displaced to deflect the tip of the borescope in the perpendicular planes of motion. A servo motor is connected to each pair of actuating cables to selectively displace one or the other in accordance with the rotation of the servo motor. A control circuit for rotating the servo motors has a pulse generation network and a modulator circuit for modulating the pulse width to control the degree of rotation of the servo motors. A joystick type of actuator for the control circuit creates a change in variable potentiometers for the two directions of motion of the joystick which, in turn, causes the control circuit to rotate the servo motors for the corresponding plane of motion to produce the desired deflection of the tip of the borescope insertion tube. Tension control, centering and component compensation circuits are provided to limit stress on the cables.