Abstract: Elongate implant structures can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region, often to apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Structures or features of the implants may inhibit tissue reactions that might otherwise allow portions of the device to eventually traverse through the wall of the airway. The devices may enhance the area bearing laterally on the tissue of a surrounding airway lumen wall. Embodiments may have features which increase the device friction with the airway to allow the device to grip the surrounding airway as the device is deployed. An appropriate adhesive may be introduced around the device in the lung. Hydrophilic material may inhibit biofilm formation, or features which induce some tissue ingrowth (stimulation of tissue growth) may enhance implanted device supported.

Abstract: Elongate implant structures can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region, often to apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Structures or features of the implants may inhibit tissue reactions that might otherwise allow portions of the device to eventually traverse through the wall of the airway. The devices may enhance the area bearing laterally on the tissue of a surrounding airway lumen wall. Embodiments may have features which increase the device friction with the airway to allow the device to grip the surrounding airway as the device is deployed. An appropriate adhesive may be introduced around the device in the lung. Hydrophilic material may inhibit biofilm formation, or features which induce some tissue ingrowth (stimulation of tissue growth) may enhance implanted device supported.

Abstract: Elongate implant structures can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region, often to apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Structures or features of the implants may inhibit tissue reactions that might otherwise allow portions of the device to eventually traverse through the wall of the airway. The devices may enhance the area bearing laterally on the tissue of a surrounding airway lumen wall. Embodiments may have features which increase the device friction with the airway to allow the device to grip the surrounding airway as the device is deployed. An appropriate adhesive may be introduced around the device in the lung. Hydrophilic material may inhibit biofilm formation, or features which induce some tissue ingrowth (stimulation of tissue growth) may enhance implanted device supported.

Abstract: Elongate implant structures can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region, often to apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Structures or features of the implants may inhibit tissue reactions that might otherwise allow portions of the device to eventually traverse through the wall of the airway. The devices may enhance the area bearing laterally on the tissue of a surrounding airway lumen wall. Embodiments may have features which increase the device friction with the airway to allow the device to grip the surrounding airway as the device is deployed. An appropriate adhesive may be introduced around the device in the lung. Hydrophilic material may inhibit biofilm formation, or features which induce some tissue ingrowth (stimulation of tissue growth) may enhance implanted device supported.

Abstract: Elongate implant structures can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region, often to apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Structures or features of the implants may inhibit tissue reactions that might otherwise allow portions of the device to eventually traverse through the wall of the airway. The devices may enhance the area bearing laterally on the tissue of a surrounding airway lumen wall. Embodiments may have features which increase the device friction with the airway to allow the device to grip the surrounding airway as the device is deployed. An appropriate adhesive may be introduced around the device in the lung. Hydrophilic material may inhibit biofilm formation, or features which induce some tissue ingrowth (stimulation of tissue growth) may enhance implanted device supported.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion are provided. The subject catheter systems include at least an aspiration catheter and at least one of a total occlusion insert catheter and a partial occlusion insert catheter, where the insert catheters are capable of being slidably moved in the lumen of the aspiration catheter. In practicing the subject methods, a surface of the vascular occlusion is flushed with an acidic dissolution fluid using the subject catheter systems for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established. The subject catheter systems and methods find use in the treatment of a variety of different vascular diseases characterized by the presence of calcified vascular occlusions, including peripheral and coronary vascular diseases.

Abstract: Elongate implant structures can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region, often to apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Structures or features of the implants may inhibit tissue reactions that might otherwise allow portions of the device to eventually traverse through the wall of the airway. The devices may enhance the area bearing laterally on the tissue of a surrounding airway lumen wall. Embodiments may have features which increase the device friction with the airway to allow the device to grip the surrounding airway as the device is deployed. An appropriate adhesive may be introduced around the device in the lung. Hydrophilic material may inhibit biofilm formation, or features which induce some tissue ingrowth (stimulation of tissue growth) may enhance implanted device supported.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a design of lung devices for safely performing a transthoracic procedure. In particular, the invention provides devices and methods of using these devices to access the thoracic cavity with minimal risk of causing pneumothorax or hemothorax. More specifically, the invention enables diagnostic and therapeutic access to a thoracic cavity using large bore instruments. This invention also provides a method for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using a device capable of sealing the wound upon withdrawal of the device. The invention includes a device comprising an elongated body adapted to make contact with a tissue of a subject through an access hole, and a sealant delivery element. The invention also includes a method of performing tissue treatment or diagnosis in a subject.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a patient for pleural effusion comprising percutaneously delivering an adhesive material to a pleural space of the patient. Suitable adhesive materials for performing any of the embodiments of the methods of the invention can be selected from the group consisting of hydrogels, collagen, poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolide), cyanoacrylates, glutaraldehyde, PEG, protein, and polysaccharide and derivatives thereof. The invention also discloses a pleural effusion treatment apparatus comprising an adhesive material adapted to adhere pleural membranes defining a pleural space and a pleural space access member adapted to deliver the adhesive material to the pleural space.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion are provided. The subject catheter systems include at least an aspiration catheter and at least one of a total occlusion insert catheter and a partial occlusion insert catheter, where the insert catheters are capable of being slidably moved in the lumen of the aspiration catheter. In practicing the subject methods, a surface of the vascular occlusion is flushed with an acidic dissolution fluid using the subject catheter systems for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established. The subject catheter systems and methods find use in the treatment of a variety of different vascular diseases characterized by the presence of calcified vascular occlusions, including peripheral and coronary vascular diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a design of lung devices for safely performing a transthoracic procedure. In particular, the invention provides devices and methods of using these devices to access the thoracic cavity with minimal risk of causing pneumothorax or hemothorax. More specifically, the invention enables diagnostic and therapeutic access to a thoracic cavity using large bore instruments. This invention also provides a method for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using a device capable of sealing the wound upon withdrawal of the device. The invention includes a device comprising an elongated body adapted to make contact with a tissue of a subject through an access hole, and a sealant delivery element. The invention also includes a method of performing tissue treatment or diagnosis in a subject.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a patient for pleural effusion comprising percutaneously delivering an adhesive material to a pleural space of the patient. Suitable adhesive materials for performing any of the embodiments of the methods of the invention can be selected from the group consisting of hydrogels, collagen, poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolide), cyanoacrylates, glutaraldehyde, PEG, protein, and polysaccharide and derivatives thereof. The invention also discloses a pleural effusion treatment apparatus comprising an adhesive material adapted to adhere pleural membranes defining a pleural space and a pleural space access member adapted to deliver the adhesive material to the pleural space.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for treating a lung, such as to treat a patient suffering from COPD. One aspect of the invention provides a method of treating a lung including the steps of: endotracheally delivering an expandable member (such as an inflatable member) to an air passageway of the lung with a delivery system; expanding the expandable member to make contact with a wall of the air passageway; and providing an open lumen through the expandable member to provide access to a portion of the lung distal to the expandable member. Some embodiments add the step of plugging the lumen, such as by contacting a plug with the expandable member or closing a port in the lumen. Some embodiments of the invention also include the step of reducing collateral flow around the expandable member and/or reducing collateral flow to lung regions distal to the expandable member, such as by delivering a collateral flow blocking agent, through the lumen.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and systems for treating lungs. One aspect of the invention provides a lung device with an expandable member having an open lumen formed therethrough, the expandable (e.g., inflatable and compliant) member having an expanded diameter adapted to contact a circumferential wall portion of a lung air passageway. The device may also include a plug adapted to close the open lumen and a coupler adapted to couple the plug and the expandable member. Another aspect of the invention provides a lung device and delivery system including: an expandable member having an open lumen formed therethrough, the expandable member having an expanded diameter adapted to fit within a lung air passageway; and a delivery catheter adapted to deliver the expandable member to a lung air passageway, the delivery catheter having a coupler adapted to couple the catheter to the expandable member.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion are provided. The subject catheter systems include at least an aspiration catheter and at least one of a total occlusion insert catheter and a partial occlusion insert catheter, where the insert catheters are capable of being slidably moved in the lumen of the aspiration catheter. In practicing the subject methods, a surface of the vascular occlusion is flushed with an acidic dissolution fluid using the subject catheter systems for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established. The subject catheter systems and methods find use in the treatment of a variety of different vascular diseases characterized by the presence of calcified vascular occlusions, including peripheral and coronary vascular diseases.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion are provided. The subject catheter systems include at least an aspiration catheter and at least one of a total occlusion insert catheter and a partial occlusion insert catheter, where the insert catheters are capable of being slidably moved in the lumen of the aspiration catheter. In practicing the subject methods, a surface of the vascular occlusion is flushed with an acidic dissolution fluid using the subject catheter systems for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established. The subject catheter systems and methods find use in the treatment of a variety of different vascular diseases characterized by the presence of calcified vascular occlusions, including peripheral and coronary vascular diseases.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods for their use in enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion are provided. The subject catheter systems include at least an aspiration catheter and at least one of a total occlusion insert catheter and a partial occlusion insert catheter, where the insert catheters are capable of being slidably moved in the lumen of the aspiration catheter. In practicing the subject methods, a surface of the vascular occlusion is flushed with an acidic dissolution fluid using the subject catheter systems for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established. The subject catheter systems and methods find use in the treatment of a variety of different vascular diseases characterized by the presence of calcified vascular occlusions, including peripheral and coronary vascular diseases.

Abstract: An embolic element comprises a filament composed of a shape memory material having an unexpanded coil configuration and an expanded random matrix configuration. The embolic element may be delivered to a blood vessel treatment site in its coiled configuration over a delivery wire through a guide catheter (44). Usually, the coiled embolic element will be disposed over a helical section of the delivery wire prior to release. In that way, proper positioning of the embolic element is then expanded to its enlarged configuration by heating or otherwise exposing to a temperature over the transition temperature of the shape memory material.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (2) comprises an outer sheath (3) housing an inner catheter (10). The inner catheter comprises an inner tubular member (30), a braided reinforcement layer (32), and a soft outer layer (34). The inner tubular member extends from a proximal end (15) of the inner catheter to a first distal location (22). The braided reinforcement layer extends from the proximal end to a second distal location (18), usually located proximal of the first distal location. The soft outer layer extends from the proximal end of the inner catheter to the tip (44) of the inner catheter. In this way, a catheter having a shaft region (16), a transition region (20), and a distal region (24), each with different strength and flexibility characteristics, can be used with the outer sheath. The balloon (8) is bonded to the distal ends of the outer sheath and the inner catheter and is inflated through the space defined therebetween.

Abstract: A balloon catheter (2) comprises an outer sheath (3) housing an inner catheter (10). The inner catheter comprises an inner tubular member (30), a braided reinforcement layer (32), and a soft outer layer (34). The inner tubular member extends from a proximal end (15) of the inner catheter to a first distal location (22). The braided reinforcement layer extends from the proximal end to a second distal location (18), usually located proximal of the first distal location. The soft outer layer extends from the proximal end of the inner catheter to the tip (44) of the inner catheter. In this way, a catheter having a shaft region (16), a transition region (20), and a distal region (24), each with different strength and flexibility characteristics, can be used with the outer sheath. The balloon (8) is bonded to the distal ends of the outer sheath and the inner catheter and is inflated through the space defined therebetween.