Abstract: A balloon expanded stent delivery system includes an inflation constraint, such as a wire, spirally wound about the longitudinal axis in contact with a balloon and attached to an underlying catheter. A balloon expanded stent is mounted about the balloon and the inflation constraint. The delivery system has a predeployment configuration with the balloon deflated and the stent unexpanded. The system has a deployment configuration in which the inflation constraint constrains the inflated balloon to a spiral shape, the stent is expanded and in contact with the balloon, and the stent has a flow directing surface with a spiral contour that matches the spiral shape of the balloon. In a postdeployment configuration, the stent retains the flow directing surface with the spiral contour.

Abstract: A multi-stage balloon catheter has a deflated state, a first inflation state at a first pressure and a second inflation state at a higher fluid pressure. In the first inflation state, the multi-stage balloon has a plurality of bulb segments separated by waist hoops that allow the multi-stage balloon to conform to match the curvature of a passageway. When pressure is increased in the multi-stage balloon from the first inflation state to the second inflation state, the waist locations expand either by breaking or stretching the waist restraints or by overcoming expansion resistance incorporated into the balloon material at the waist locations. The multi-stage balloon catheter may be used to implant a stent in a manner to conform and match a curved passageway rather than tending to straighten the passageway.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a first balloon positioned inside of a second balloon, both of which are mounted about a catheter and fluidly connected to respective inflation lumens. In a first inflated configuration, the second balloon is inflated and has a shape that includes a plurality of bulb segments, with each two consecutive bulb segments being separated by a waist hoop. In a second inflated configuration both the inner and outer balloons are inflated, and the inner balloon bears radially outwardly against the waist hoop of the outer balloon such that the waist hoop of the outer balloon has a larger diameter in the second inflated configuration than in the first inflated configuration. The bulb segment separated by waist hoops enable the balloon catheter to conform to curved passageways, such as during the implementation of a stent.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway, for example thrombus or clot from a blood vessel. Devices and methods are provided for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway. For example, a braided funnel is provided that may be placed adjacent a blockage. The braided funnel may be attached to an elongate tube and the blockage may be aspirated through the tube.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a first balloon positioned inside of a second balloon, both of which are mounted about a catheter and fluidly connected to respective inflation lumens. In a first inflated configuration, the second balloon is inflated and has a shape that includes a plurality of bulb segments, with each two consecutive bulb segments being separated by a waist hoop. In a second inflated configuration both the inner and outer balloons are inflated, and the inner balloon bears radially outwardly against the waist hoop of the outer balloon such that the waist hoop of the outer balloon has a larger diameter in the second inflated configuration than in the first inflated configuration. The bulb segment separated by waist hoops enable the balloon catheter to conform to curved passageways, such as during the implementation of a stent.

Abstract: A shape controlled balloon catheter includes the balloon mounted about a catheter. A wire is spirally wound about the balloon and includes a manipulation segment extending along a centerline of the catheter away from the balloon. A position of the wire on an outer surface of the balloon changes responsive to movement of the manipulation segment relative to the catheter along the centerline. The balloon has a continuum of different inflated shapes corresponding to a continuum of different positions of the manipulation segment of the wire relative to the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon expanded stent delivery system includes an inflation constraint, such as a wire, spirally wound about the longitudinal axis in contact with a balloon and attached to an underlying catheter. A balloon expanded stent is mounted about the balloon and the inflation constraint. The delivery system has a predeployment configuration with the balloon deflated and the stent unexpanded. The system has a deployment configuration in which the inflation constraint constrains the inflated balloon to a spiral shape, the stent is expanded and in contact with the balloon, and the stent has a flow directing surface with a spiral contour that matches the spiral shape of the balloon. In a postdeployment configuration, the stent retains the flow directing surface with the spiral contour.

Abstract: A multi-stage balloon catheter has a deflated state, a first inflation state at a first pressure and a second inflation state at a higher fluid pressure. In the first inflation state, the multi-stage balloon has a plurality of bulb segments separated by waist hoops that allow the multi-stage balloon to conform to match the curvature of a passageway. When pressure is increased in the multi-stage balloon from the first inflation state to the second inflation state, the waist locations expand either by breaking or stretching the waist restraints or by overcoming expansion resistance incorporated into the balloon material at the waist locations. The multi-stage balloon catheter may be used to implant a stent in a manner to conform and match a curved passageway rather than tending to straighten the passageway.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to methods and devices for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway, for example thrombus or clot from a blood vessel. Devices and methods are provided for removing a blockage from an anatomical passageway. For example, a braided funnel is provided that may be placed adjacent a blockage. The braided funnel may be attached to an elongate tube and the blockage may be aspirated through the tube.

Abstract: A medical device deployment system includes an inner shaft telescopically received within a retractable sheath and a medical device positioned over the inner shaft. A handle assembly includes a proximal handle portion having a handle body having an elongate slot therethrough. A distal end of the handle body is attached to an open proximal end of the retractable sheath. The handle assembly also includes a distal handle portion attached to a proximal end of the inner shaft through a connection portion. In a pre-deployment configuration, the connection portion is positioned through a proximal end of the elongate slot and the retractable sheath restricts radial expansion of the medical device. In a post-deployment configuration, the connection portion is positioned through a distal end of the elongate slot and the retractable sheath is retracted such that the medical device is not restricted from radial expansion by the retractable sheath.