Abstract: A stent includes a first portion including first and second bands of cells that flare outwardly when the stent is expanded from a contracted to a flared condition, and a second portion connected to the first portion by flexible connectors. During use, the stent is introduced into a main vessel in the contracted condition and positioned with the first portion adjacent an ostium and the second portion within a branch vessel extending from the ostium. The first portion is flared, causing first struts of the first set of cells to move from an axial towards a radial and partial circumferential orientation and causing second struts of the second set of cells to move from an axial towards a radial orientation. The stent is expanded further such that the second portion expands within the branch body lumen, and the first and second struts move towards a more circumferential orientation.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle for use in water and with at least one acoustic signal source includes a vehicle body, a steering mechanism to direct the vehicle body through the water, a propulsion device to force the vehicle body through the water, and an adaptive Doppler guidance and control (ADGC) system. The ADGC system is configured to receive acoustic signals from the at least one acoustic signal source and to control the steering mechanism using changes in at least one frequency component of the received acoustic signals caused by Doppler shifts.

Abstract: An unmanned underwater vehicle for use in water and with at least one acoustic signal source includes a vehicle body, a steering mechanism to direct the vehicle body through the water, a propulsion device to force the vehicle body through the water, and an adaptive Doppler guidance and control (ADGC) system. The ADGC system is configured to receive acoustic signals from the at least one acoustic signal source and to control the steering mechanism using changes in at least one frequency component of the received acoustic signals caused by Doppler shifts.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for securing a stent-graft deployed within an aorta relative to a renal artery. A distal end of a delivery device may be introduced into the aorta, the distal end carrying a stent thereon. The distal end may be advanced through an opening in the stent-graft at least partially into the renal artery, and the stent may be expanded to anchor the stent-graft relative to the renal artery and/or secure the stent relative to the renal artery. An exemplary flaring stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating an ostium of a branch vessel include a delivery catheter having a distal end sized for introduction into the branch, and locator elements including first ends fixed to the distal end and second ends free from the distal ends. The locator elements are compressible from a transverse, deployed condition to an axial, contracted condition, wherein the second ends are disposed proximal to the first ends. During use, the catheter is directed through a guide catheter into the ostium with the locator elements compressed, and the locator elements are deployed within the branch in the contracted condition. The catheter is partially withdrawn from the branch, the locator elements resiliently expanding towards the deployed condition as they enter the main vessel. The catheter may be used to deliver a stent into the branch with the expanded locator elements facilitating positioning the stent.

Abstract: A stent includes a first flaring portion including first and second sets of cells that flare outwardly when the stent is expanded from a contracted to a flared condition, and a second main portion connected to the first flaring portion. During use, the stent is introduced into a main vessel in the contracted condition and positioned with the first portion adjacent an ostium. The first portion is flared, causing first struts of the first set of cells to move from an axial towards a radial and partial circumferential orientation and causing second struts of the second set of cells to move from an axial towards a radial orientation. The second portion resists expansion when the first portion is flared. The stent is expanded further such that the second portion expands within the branch body lumen, and the first and second struts move towards a more circumferential orientation.

Abstract: Flared stents are disclosed, and apparatus and methods for delivering such stents into a bifurcation between a main vessel and a branch vessel. The stent includes a first tubular portion a second flaring portion that may be flared radially outwardly to contact the ostium. The stent may include variable mechanical properties along its length. The stent may be delivered using a catheter including proximal and distal ends, the stent overlying first and second balloons on the distal end. During use, the catheter is advanced through an ostium into the branch to place the stent within the branch. The first balloon is expanded to flare the stent to contact a wall of the ostium, thereby causing the stent to migrate partially into the ostium. The second balloon is expanded to filly expand the stent within the ostium and branch.

Abstract: A stent includes a first portion including first and second bands of cells that flare outwardly when the stent is expanded from a contracted to a flared condition, and a second portion connected to the first portion by flexible connectors. During use, the stent is introduced into a main vessel in the contracted condition and positioned with the first portion adjacent an ostium and the second portion within a branch vessel extending from the ostium. The first portion is flared, causing first struts of the first set of cells to move from an axial towards a radial and partial circumferential orientation and causing second struts of the second set of cells to move from an axial towards a radial orientation. The stent is expanded further such that the second portion expands within the branch body lumen, and the first and second struts move towards a more circumferential orientation.

Abstract: A stent includes a flaring portion and a main portion connected to the flaring portion. The main portion includes a plurality of bands of cells spaced apart axially from one another, adjacent bands of cells being intermittently connected to one another. During use, the stent is introduced into a main vessel in a contracted condition and positioned with the flaring portion adjacent an ostium. The flaring portion is flared, and the stent is advanced at least partially into the ostium. The stent is expanded further such that the main portion expands within the branch body lumen and/or the flaring portion expands adjacent the ostium. The main portion compresses axially during at least one of the steps when the stent is expanded, which may enhance conformance of the stent relative to the ostium and/or enhance reinforcement of the ostium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating emboli from a vascular filter or stent within a patient's circulatory system are provided. A filter sac of the vascular filter permits blood flow and captures emboli from the flow. The aspiration device removes emboli from within or proximal to the vascular filter or stent to reduce the risk to the ischemia during retrieval of the vascular filter and during a treatment procedure. Retrieval of the vascular filter may be accomplished using either the aspiration catheter or a separate retrieval catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for aspirating emboli from a vascular filter or stent within a patient's circulatory system are provided. A filter sac of the vascular filter permits blood flow and captures emboli from the flow. The aspiration device removes emboli from within or proximal to the vascular filter or stent to reduce the risk to the ischemia during retrieval of the vascular filter and during a treatment procedure. Retrieval of the vascular filter may be accomplished using either the aspiration catheter or a separate retrieval catheter.