Abstract: A guide extension catheter comprising a proximal reinforcing section that is completely surrounded by, or encased within, a polymer covering or coating the proximal reinforcing section, and further comprising an exemplary semi-circular flared section disposed proximal to the proximal reinforcing section, wherein the flare is interrupted by a flattened bottom. The proximal reinforcing section is configured to interconnect with a flat ribbon which is connected with or defines a proximally extending push rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method for localized application of therapeutic substances within a biological conduit. In various embodiments, a dissolvable bag or bolus of at least one therapeutic agent is introduced and pressed and/or sealed against the wall of conduit. In other embodiments, dissolvable barbs formed from at least one therapeutic agent are ejected from a catheter by fluid pressure, embedding in the wall of conduit.

Abstract: An atherectomy device may include a handle having a rotational drive mechanism therein, a drive shaft operably coupled to the drive mechanism and having an abrasive element arranged at a distal end thereof, the drive shaft comprising a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a spin-to-close profile and the second portion comprises a spin-to-open profile.

Abstract: An abrading head for a high-speed rotation atherectomy device is disclosed. The head has its center of mass laterally displaced from the rotational axis of the drive shaft. As the drive shaft spins, centrifugal force forces the abrading head radially outward. At high speeds, and the abrasive portion of the head may subtend an abrading cylinder larger than at low speeds or at rest. The abrading head has two components, each having a different density. The connection portion may be an incomplete cylinder, which fastens onto the drive shaft, and may be a relatively low density metal, such as stainless steel. The eccentric portion may be a relatively high density metal, such as tungsten or tantalum, and is attached to the connection portion.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to devices and methods for local delivery of therapeutic agents to the wall of a bodily lumen with minimal shearing damage to the therapeutic agents, more specifically to the wall of a blood vessel following atherectomy. A preferred delivery mechanism comprises a balloon, or double balloon, though any distal catheter design may be used to reduce shear stress and to conserve and/or isolate the therapeutic substance.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with an abrasive section comprising an enlarged diameter section of the drive shaft or, alternatively, a solid abrasive crown which may be attached to the drive shaft. The device further comprises a proximal and/or a distal counterweight attached to the drive shaft, spaced from the abrasive section wherein each counterweight has its center of mass offset from the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft to stimulate orbital motion by the abrasive section. When placed within an artery against stenotic tissue and rotated at sufficiently high speeds (e.g., in the range of about 20,000 rpm to about 200,000 rpm) the orbiting nature of the abrasive section causes such section to rotate as to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter substantially larger than the resting outer diameter of the abrasive section.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to devices and methods for local delivery of therapeutic agents to the wall of a bodily lumen with minimal shearing damage to the therapeutic agents, more specifically to the wall of a blood vessel following atherectomy. A preferred delivery mechanism comprises a balloon, or double balloon, though any distal catheter design may be used to reduce shear stress and to conserve and/or isolate the therapeutic substance.

Abstract: The invention provides a system, device and method for localized application of therapeutic substances within a biological conduit. In various embodiments, a dissolvable bag or bolus of at least one therapeutic agent is introduced and pressed and/or sealed against the wall of conduit. In other embodiments, dissolvable barbs formed from at least one therapeutic agent are ejected from a catheter by fluid pressure, embedding in the wall of conduit.

Abstract: An abrading head for a high-speed rotation atherectomy device is disclosed. The head has its center of mass laterally displaced from the rotational axis of the drive shaft. As the drive shaft spins, centrifugal force forces the abrading head radially outward. At high speeds, and the abrasive portion of the head may subtend an abrading cylinder larger than at low speeds or at rest. The abrading head has two components, each having a different density. The connection portion may be an incomplete cylinder, which fastens onto the drive shaft, and may be a relatively low density metal, such as stainless steel. The eccentric portion may be a relatively high density metal, such as tungsten or tantalum, and is attached to the connection portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with an abrasive section comprising an enlarged diameter section of the drive shaft or, alternatively, a solid abrasive crown which may be attached to the drive shaft. The device further comprises a proximal and/or a distal counterweight attached to the drive shaft, spaced from the abrasive section wherein each counterweight has its center of mass offset from the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft to stimulate orbital motion by the abrasive section. When placed within an artery against stenotic tissue and rotated at sufficiently high speeds (e.g., in the range of about 20,000 rpm to about 200,000 rpm) the orbiting nature of the abrasive section causes such section to rotate as to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter substantially larger than the resting outer diameter of the abrasive section.

Abstract: An introducer system has a splittable sheath which includes a marker band. The marker band allows the sheath to be viewed under fluoroscopy while inserted within a patient, and while still allowing a medical device to be introduced therethrough. In addition, the marker band allows for the sheath to be split using a slitter in a longitudinal direction which permits the sheath to be removed from the venous system without having to be withdrawn over an end of the medical device. The marker band has perforations, comprises a mesh structure, or can comprise a braid structure, which each allow for the sheath, and the marker band, to be slittable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidewire which incorporates an optical fiber and associated diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing tissue in vivo. Use of the present invention provides for diagnosis of tissue and tailoring of the therapeutic portion of the procedure to the tissue or condition identified by the guidewire and associated diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guidewire which incorporates an optical fiber and associated diagnostic apparatus for diagnosing tissue in vivo. Use of the present invention provides for diagnosis of tissue and tailoring of the therapeutic portion of the procedure to the tissue or condition identified by the guidewire and associated diagnostic apparatus.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a unitary guidewire and single mode optical fiber is used to illuminate human body channels, such as a tissue mass within a blood vessel, for purposes of diagnosis. A low coherent light source illuminates the tissue and provides a reference beam. Illumination that is reflected from the tissue is combined with the reference beam in an interferometer process. The path length of the reference beam is changed in a known manner in order to provide a known reference to the distance inside of the tissue from which reflected radiation is being received, thus providing information as to both the nature and the geometry of the tissue. A high signal to noise ratio is provided.