Abstract: An access platform having a first and a second blade interconnected to a spreader member that laterally drives the blades apart or together and a sternal pad interconnected to a blade. The superior blade is preferably pivotally coupled to the spreader member such that it naturally rises as the blades are separated. Alternatively, a vertical displacement member is operably interconnected to a blade and the spreader member and is used to vertically displace the interconnected superior blade and, thus, increase a surgeon's working space and visual access for the dissection of an internal mammary artery. A tissue retractor is interconnected to the blades to draw the soft tissue around an incision away from the surgeon's working area.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: An aneurysm treatment device for in situ treatment of aneurysms comprises a collapsible member having a first shape wherein the first shape is an expanded geometric configuration, and a second shape, wherein the second shape is a collapsed configuration that is loadable into a catheter. The aneurysm treatment device is capable of returning to the first shape in the sac of an aneurysm upon deployment, where it occludes the aneurysm.

Abstract: An aneurysm treatment device for in situ treatment of aneurysms comprises an occlusion device having a flexible, longitudinally extending elastomeric matrix member that assumes a non-linear shape to conformally fill a targeted vascular site. The occlusion device has one or more longitudinally extending filaments that can be varied to impart properties to the occlusion device.

Abstract: An aneurysm treatment device for in situ treatment of aneurysms comprises a collapsible member having a first shape wherein the first shape is an expanded geometric configuration, and a second shape, wherein the second shape is a collapsed configuration that is loadable into a catheter. The aneurysm treatment device is capable or returning to the first shape in the sac of an aneurysm upon deployment, where it occludes the aneurysm. In another embodiment an occlusion device comprises a flexible, longitudinally extending elastomeric matrix member that assumes a non-linear shape to conformally fill a targeted vascular site.

Abstract: Devices and methods for coupling, delivery, detaching and controllably releasing a medical implant, and methods for the assembly and use of the devices, provide for mechanically simple and rapidly operated release of the implant without disturbing its precisely selected position. Embodiments of various aspects of the present invention employ, among other structures, a loop or other aperture-bearing engagement element releasably held by a mating retaining element, in some instances with the assistance of a member for constraining the engagement element relative to the retaining element. In another aspect, the loop or other aperture-bearing element may be at least temporarily placed in a tensile state to maintain coupling of the implant prior to release. Embodiments of the invention permit release through a practitioner actuation, such as causing one or more rotations that lead to the withdrawal of the retaining element from the loop or aperture-bearing element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: An occlusive implant delivery assembly includes a rapid response decoupling or detachment mechanism that does not effect significant migration of the implant during release. The assembly includes an occlusive implant device, such as an embolic coil, a pusher or device to carry the implant to the selected location, and an expandable coupling-decoupling mechanism for releasing the implant at the selected site. The mechanical construction provides rapid release times. In addition, the releasing mechanism generally operates without exerting any significant force on the implant, thereby avoiding any significant displacement of the implant during release.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.

Abstract: A system for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel includes an obstruction engaging element and an expandable capture element. The capture element preferably has a flexible cover and an expandable support structure. The engaging element engages the obstruction and moves the obstruction into the capture element. The capture element protects the obstruction when the obstruction is moved into the catheter.

Abstract: A liner is advanced through a narrowed region in a vessel such as the internal carotid artery. The liner is advanced through the narrowed region in a collapsed position. A stent is then advanced through the liner and expanded to open the narrowed region. The liner may also have an anchor which expands an end of the liner before the stent is introduced.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel are described. The devices are deployed in a collapsed condition and are then expanded within the body. The devices are then manipulated to engage and remove the obstruction.