Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating and manipulating objects in a body, for example emboli in a body lumen are described, and in some examples methods and apparatus use adaptable tips on catheters, for example aspiration catheters, for manipulating and/or removing such emboli.

Abstract: A tubular structure having variable support includes a tubular member and a structural support member with a flexible tubular member over the structural support member, such that the flexible tubular member can engage and disengage or squeeze and release the structural support member. The structural support member can be a tubular mesh, stent, framework, skeleton, braid or other flexible framework. A fluid passage can be used to inflate and deflate the flexible tubular member. Methods of assembly and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A tubular structure having variable support includes a tubular member and a structural support member with a flexible tubular member over the structural support member, such that the flexible tubular member can engage and disengage or squeeze and release the structural support member. The structural support member can be a tubular mesh, stent, framework, skeleton, braid or other flexible framework. A fluid passage can be used to inflate and deflate the flexible tubular member. Methods of assembly and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: A lumenal element configured to transit a body lumen comprising a lumenal member (102) and an outer member (200) disposed over at least part of the lumenal member with a structural support (350), e.g. a mesh or stent, having a facing surface facing a surface of the lumenal member and wherein the facing surface includes at least one non-smooth surface portion, discontinuity, or non-uniformity, wherein the structural support is between the lumenal member and the outer member wherein the outermember is at least partly sealed to adjacent surfaces of the lumenal member sufficient to withstand fluid pressure within a space about the structural support, wherein the lumenal member has a first flexibility in the area of the structural support, and increasing the flexibility of the area of the structural support by moving at least a part of the outer member out of contact with the structural support. The flexibility of a lumenal element can be changed. Also disclosed a method of assembly of the lumenal element.

Abstract: A tubular structure having variable support includes a tubular member and a structural support member with a flexible tubular member over the structural support member, such that the flexible tubular member can engage and disengage or squeeze and release the structural support member. The structural support member can be a tubular mesh, stent, framework, skeleton, braid or other flexible framework. A fluid passage can be used to inflate and deflate the flexible tubular member. Methods of assembly and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for mechanically reducing the volume of the lung. Some embodiments include endobronchially positioning an anchoring device within a lung, the anchoring device comprising at least a distal anchor, expanding at least a portion of the distal anchor to anchor the distal anchor against lung lumen tissue, and tensioning at least a portion of the device to reduce the volume of the lung.

Abstract: Disrupting tissue and devices and systems for disrupting tissue. The disclosure describes ways to deliver moieties to a target tissue, where the target tissue in general is not at the point of introduction, in such a way that minimal damage is produced in the tissue at the point of introduction. In some embodiments this is accomplished by jetting fluid at high velocity into the target tissue. The disclosure further describes novel agents deliverable in such systems for use in remodeling tissues. Some of these agents comprise a liquid while others do not. Additionally, although not specifically described in detail much of the disclosure may additionally be used in the delivery of therapeutic drugs.

Abstract: A device for mechanically reducing the volume of a lung, comprising a distal anchor, a proximal anchor, and a tether extending between the distal and proximal anchors, the device configured so that the distance between the anchors measured along the tether can be increased or decreased and maintained after release of a delivery device. Some embodiments are a method of endobronchially deploying an anchoring device within the lung to reduce the lung volume, the anchoring device comprising a distal anchor, a proximal anchor, and a tether extending between the distal and proximal anchors, the device configured such that the distance between the distal and proximal anchors measured along the tether can be increased or decreased and then maintained after release of the anchoring device from a delivery device, reducing the volume of the lung by decreasing the distance between the distal and proximal anchors, and maintaining the decreased distance.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for closing one or more vascular openings. The devices may include a stent graft comprising a stent framework and a graft material at least partially covering the stent framework. The stent framework may comprise one or more axial segments, and at least one of the axial segments may comprise an access port through which a catheter or treatment device may enter the stent graft. The methods may comprise occluding blood flow upstream of a vascular opening, and delivering a closure device to block, cover, or seal the vascular opening.