Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: The device disclosed herein is used to the remove a thrombus from the vasculature. It includes an aspiration catheter and a thrombus retrieval device that extends through the lumen of the aspiration catheter. An expandable braided assembly extends over a distal region of the retrieval device, and an activation wire extends through the lumen of the retrieval device to attach to and control the expansion of the braided assembly. Applying tension to the activation wire causes the braided assembly to expand to a diameter of the practitioner's choosing. For example, the practitioner may apply a first level of tension to the activation wire to deploy the braided assembly to a first diameter and then later change the diameter by applying a different level of tension. The expanded braided assembly contacts the thrombus and is pulled proximally toward the aspiration catheter to assist in thrombus removal.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: A catheter having a multilumenal tube surrounded by a slotted hypotube is provided. The catheter has a tube holder that houses the multilumenal tubing and slidably engages the hypotube, and has internal passages configured to receive one of more tubes from the multilumenal tube. The multilumenal tubing separates into one or more tubings, each comprising a lumen, such that the tubings exit the tube holder at different locations. The slotted hypotube slidably engages a key in the tube holder that prevents the multilumenal tubing from rotating relative to the tube holder and the one of more tubings that separate from the multilumenal tubing. Advantages provided by the slotted hypotube/tube holder assembly are described.

Abstract: The device disclosed herein is used to the remove a thrombus from the vasculature. It includes an aspiration catheter and a thrombus retrieval device that extends through the lumen of the aspiration catheter. An expandable braided assembly extends over a distal region of the retrieval device, and an activation wire extends through the lumen of the retrieval device to attach to and control the expansion of the braided assembly. Applying tension to the activation wire causes the braided assembly to expand to a diameter of the practitioner's choosing. For example, the practitioner may apply a first level of tension to the activation wire to deploy the braided assembly to a first diameter and then later change the diameter by applying a different level of tension. The expanded braided assembly contacts the thrombus and is pulled proximally toward the aspiration catheter to assist in thrombus removal.

Abstract: Annuloplasty implant systems and methods of deployment within a catheter-based procedure are provided herein. Such systems can utilize annuloplasty rings defined by a scaffold of braided wire that is radially expandable and axially collapsible or by annuloplasty rings defined by multiple interconnected concentric loops. The rings can be formed of a memory alloy and expand to an implantation configuration when advanced from the catheter to be secured against the valve annulus with the anchors. Deployment systems can include delivery catheters that deploy multiple anchors about a valve annulus, and advance the annuloplasty ring over multiple torque wires to securely couple the ring with the anchors forming the annuloplasty ring thereby reforming the valve annulus.

Abstract: Anchor deployment systems and methods, particularly for deployment of annuloplasty implant systems in a catheter-based procedure, are provided herein. Such systems can include a double-basket structure having expandable centering structure and outer anchor support frame disposed over at least over a proximal portion of the centering structure. The structures can be advanced together as an assembly. Subsequent expansion of the centering structure centers the assembly within the valve annulus while the anchor support frame positions the anchors at suitable positions around the valve annulus. The centering member can be contracted and withdrawn into the catheter to allow normal valve function, while the anchors remain supported by the anchor support frame for deployment by the clinician and implantation into surrounding tissue. The delivery catheter can include a proximal handle with various control features including selectors to allow selective implantation of all or any combination of anchors concurrently.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: Various implementations of a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device include a catheter, a filter, and an expandable balloon. The filter is coupled adjacent a distal end of the catheter and is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire extending through a lumen of the catheter. An anti-stenotic therapeutic agent is disposed on an outer surface of the balloon, and the balloon is disposed on the catheter proximally of the filter. An axial movable sheath is positioned over the balloon and filter during deployment to a target site and is axially retracted away from the filter and balloon prior to treatment of a lesion. At the target site, the exposed filter is expanded via the filter activation wire. Then, the exposed balloon is inflated to dilate and deliver the therapeutic agent to the lesion.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an angioplasty balloon catheter having a retractable sheath and a flexible tip attached to the distal end of the sheath. The flexible tip is made of an elastomeric plastic that is capable of returning to its original shape after being expanded multiple times. The tip allows for the sheath to be retractable and the balloon inflated multiple times to treat or expand different locations within the vessel. Because the tip returns to its original shape each time, the tip is less likely to damage the vessel wall when the sheath is repositioned in the vessel, and also is easier to retract through a guide-catheter.

Abstract: Described here are devices, methods, and kits for the deployment of tissue anchors. In some variations, the devices may comprise a shaft defining a lumen for housing at least one anchor therein and a mechanism for deploying the anchor distally from the lumen. In certain variations, the devices may comprise one or more stop elements. For example, a device may comprise a stop element that limits the advancement of the device through an opening in a wall portion or at the distal end of another device.

Abstract: A catheter having a multilumenal tube surrounded by a slotted hypotube is provided. The catheter has a tube holder that houses the multilumenal tubing and slidably engages the hypotube, and has internal passages configured to receive one of more tubes from the multilumenal tube. The multilumenal tubing separates into one or more tubings, each comprising a lumen, such that the tubings exit the tube holder at different locations. The slotted hypotube slidably engages a key in the tube holder that prevents the multilumenal tubing from rotating relative to the tube holder and the one of more tubings that separate from the multilumenal tubing. Advantages provided by the slotted hypotube/tube holder assembly are described.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for delivering implants that include multiple coupled anchors. The anchors are secured to tissue using a multi-opening guide tunnel that is configured to releasably retain one or more portions of the implant located between two of the anchors. The releasable retention of one or more intervening portions of the implant maintains the position of the implant and the guide tunnel until the implant is secured to the tissue. The multi-opening guide tunnel permits securement of the multiple anchors without requiring repositioning of the guide tunnel for each anchor.

Abstract: Described here are devices, methods, and kits for the deployment of tissue anchors. In some variations, the devices may comprise a shaft defining a lumen for housing at least one anchor therein and a mechanism for deploying the anchor distally from the lumen. In certain variations, the devices may comprise one or more stop elements. For example, a device may comprise a stop element that limits the advancement of the device through an opening in a wall portion or at the distal end of another device.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for guide catheters having one or more regions of increased flexibility. A flexibility region comprises one tubular segment of the guide catheter with a non-linear longitudinal seam between two non-concentric layers of material having different durometers. A non-linear seam, such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal configuration, permits controlled compression of lower durometer material between portions of higher durometer material.

Abstract: A catheter having a multilumenal tube surrounded by a slotted hypotube is provided. The catheter has a tube holder that houses the multilumenal tubing and slidably engages the hypotube, and has internal passages configured to receive one of more tubes from the multilumenal tube. The multilumenal tubing separates into one or more tubings, each comprising a lumen, such that the tubings exit the tube holder at different locations. The slotted hypotube slidably engages a key in the tube holder that prevents the multilumenal tubing from rotating relative to the tube holder and the one of more tubings that separate from the multilumenal tubing. Advantages provided by the slotted hypotube/tube holder assembly are described.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for delivering implants that include multiple coupled anchors. The anchors are secured to tissue using a multi-opening guide tunnel that is configured to releasably retain one or more portions of the implant located between two of the anchors. The releasable retention of one or more intervening portions of the implant maintains the position of the implant and the guide tunnel until the implant is secured to the tissue. The multi-opening guide tunnel permits securement of the multiple anchors without requiring repositioning of the guide tunnel for each anchor.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an angioplasty balloon catheter having a retractable sheath and a flexible tip attached to the distal end of the sheath. The flexible tip is made of an elastomeric plastic that is capable of returning to its original shape after being expanded multiple times. The tip allows for the sheath to be retractable and the balloon inflated multiple times to treat or expand different locations within the vessel. Because the tip returns to its original shape each time, the tip is less likely to damage the vessel wall when the sheath is repositioned in the vessel, and also is easier to retract through a guide-catheter.