Abstract: In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for delivering a powdered agent into a subject's body may include a powder chamber housing the powdered agent. The apparatus also may include a chassis in fluid connection with the powder chamber. The chassis may include a first passage for receiving a pressurized gas, a second passage for receiving the powdered agent from the powder chamber, and a junction in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage. At least a first portion of the pressurized gas is introduced into the powdered agent at the junction to fluidize the powdered agent.

Abstract: Medical devices and method for manufacturing medical devices are discloses. An example medical device may include a medical device body formed from one or more multi-melting point polymeric filaments. Each of the filaments may include a polymeric blend comprising a first block polymer and a second polymer. The polymeric blend may have a first melting point and a second melting point less than the first melting point. The medical device body may be heat set at a temperature within 10° C. of the second melting point.

Abstract: A stent delivery device is provided that includes an inner member defining a distal tip and a stent holding region, and an outer tubular member slidingly disposed over the inner member and configured to engage the distal tip. Seal members may be disposed on one or more of an outer surface of the inner member, the distal tip, and the outer tubular member. The seal members define a liquid-tight sealed chamber surrounding the stent holding region.

Abstract: A method of loading an expandable stent into a delivery device may include positioning a middle portion of the expandable stent in a collapsing fixture including a passage extending therethrough, radially compressing the middle portion of the expandable stent in the passage before any other portion of the expandable stent while a first end of the expandable stent is disposed outside of the passage, moving the collapsing fixture relative to the expandable stent, radially compressing the expandable stent from the middle portion toward the first end of the expandable stent, and inserting the first end of the expandable stent followed by the middle portion of the expandable stent into a distal end of an elongate outer sheath of the delivery device.

Abstract: Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.

Abstract: Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.

Abstract: Implementations of a delivery device and method are disclosed. One implementation is a delivery device comprising a flow chamber with an inlet port for receiving a fluid flow in the flow chamber, and an outlet port for exiting a material from the flow chamber. The flow chamber may include a formation portion in which a suspension of the material is formed, and a collection portion that directs the suspension toward and/or into the outlet port. An amount of the material may collect in the collection portion adjacent the outlet port. The device may further comprise an insertion port for permitting insertion of the material in the flow chamber, and/or a pusher operable to move the amount of material through the outlet port. Related devices and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are disclosed in the present application. In one illustrative example a cell sample collection device may comprise an elongated shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a tissue collection feature extending distal of the distal end of the elongated shaft. In at least some additional embodiments, at least a portion of the tissue collection feature may dissolve when placed in a fixation medium.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to compositions that comprise (a) a bioerodible polyester network formed by reaction between reactive species that comprise a polyol and a polycarboxylate, wherein at least one of the polyol and polycarboxylate has a functionality of three or more, and (b) a bioerodible thermoplastic polymer. The present disclosure further pertains to methods of using such compositions and to medical devices that comprise such compositions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stent including at least one member having a first portion and a second portion and at least one radiopaque connector joining the first portion to the second portion. In one or more embodiments, at least one radiopaque connector may form a first radiopaque pattern distinguishable from a second radiopaque pattern formed by at least one radiopaque marker. Methods for manufacturing a stent including at least two member portions connected by at least one radiopaque connector are also provided.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for obtaining a navigating to a targeted biopsy region are disclosed. An example device for navigating to a targeted biopsy region may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an inflation lumen, and a vacuum lumen. An inflatable balloon may be positioned proximal to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The device may further include an ultrasound transducer positioned adjacent to the distal end of the elongate shaft and a power and control unit in electrical communication with the ultrasound transducer. A vacuum source may be in fluid communication with the vacuum lumen.

Abstract: An example method for obtaining a biopsy sample may include delivering a tumor marker to a patient, guiding a biopsy tool to a desired biopsy region within a patient's body, obtaining a biopsy sample from the desired biopsy region, removing the biopsy sample from the patient's body, and after removing the biopsy sample from the patient's body, scanning the biopsy sample to detect the presence of the tumor marker in the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to compositions that comprise (a) a bioerodible polyester network formed by reaction between reactive species that comprise a polyol and a polycarboxylate, wherein at least one of the polyol and polycarboxylate has a functionality of three or more, and (b) a bioerodible thermoplastic polymer. The present disclosure further pertains to methods of using such compositions and to medical devices that comprise such compositions.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner shaft. A deployment sheath may be disposed about the inner shaft. A stent may be disposed between the inner shaft and the deployment sheath. A stent reconstraining member may be secured to an inner surface of the deployment sheath and releasably secured to the stent.

Abstract: A medical device consists of a stent having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface; a single expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) layer contacting the first surface of the stent; and an elastomeric layer applied to at least one surface of the stent. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric layer is silicone. In at least one embodiment, the medical device is manufactured by positioning the ePTFE layer such that a first surface of the ePTFE layer contacts a first surface of the stent to form a stent-ePTFE assembly; and applying an elastomeric solution to the first surface of the ePTFE layer and at least one surface of the stent.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and method for making and using implantable medical devices are disclosed. An example implantable medical device may include a tubular body having a plurality of openings formed therein. A filter layer may be disposed along an outer surface of the tubular body. The filter layer may include a shape memory material. The filter layer may be capable of allowing fluids to pass therethrough and may be resistant to tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, compositions, devices and kits which pertain to the attachment of stent-containing medical devices to tissue.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device includes an elongate tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a tube diameter. The elongate tube has a length that enables the elongate tube to extend from a position exterior a patient to a position interior the patient's stomach. A resealable valve is disposed within the proximal end of the elongate tube. An inflation lumen extends along the elongate tube and an inflation port is disposed near the proximal end of the elongate tube and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A silicone balloon is secured relative to the distal end of the elongate tube and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The silicone balloon has a distal region, a proximal region and an intervening middle region that, when inflated, stretches more than the distal region or the proximal region.

Abstract: Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.

Abstract: A medical device consists of a stent having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface; a single expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) layer contacting the first surface of the stent; and an elastomeric layer applied to at least one surface of the stent. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric layer is silicone. In at least one embodiment, the medical device is manufactured by positioning the ePTFE layer such that a first surface of the ePTFE layer contacts a first surface of the stent to form a stent-ePTFE assembly; and applying an elastomeric solution to the first surface of the ePTFE layer and at least one surface of the stent.