Abstract: A filtration device having at least one filter packet and a retainer is described. The filter packet includes a membrane having at least a first opening therethrough. The filter packet further includes a retentate screen in fluid communication with the first side of the membrane and a filtrate screen in fluid communication with the second side. The retentate screen includes a permeable material and a seal around an outer perimeter of the permeable material. The permeable material has at least a feed port-defining zone in fluid communication with the first opening. The filtrate screen includes a permeable material and at least a feed port-defining zone in fluid communication with the first opening. The feed port-defining zone of the filtrate screen includes a seal around a perimeter thereof. The filtrate screen has a perimeter open to a filtrate collection area.

Abstract: A filtration cassette is described. The filtration cassette can include one or more filtrate channel spacers and one or more feed channel spacers. Each of the feed channel spacers and each of the filtrate channel spacers define an open interior volume bounded by an inner perimeter and include at least one feed port and at least one filtrate port. The filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers are arranged such that the feed ports and the filtrate ports are positioned in respective alignment. The filtration cassette further includes one or more membranes disposed between the filtrate channel spacers and the feed channel spacers, and one or more retaining members at either end of the filtration cassette. A thin film of adhesive binds together the filtrate channel spacers, the feed channel spacers, and the membranes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for preventing cerebral embolization during endovascular procedures in the carotid arteries. The invention comprises a guide catheter and balloon, which may selectively occlude the common carotid artery, and further comprises a wire and balloon, which may selectively occlude the internal carotid artery. Occlusion of the common carotid artery will induce retrograde flow at the site, redirecting emboli to the external carotid artery. Occlusion of the internal carotid artery reduces the risk of emboli migrating to the brain, and allows clearance of the site by antegrade blood flow from the common carotid artery. Occlusion of both the common and internal carotid arteries induces a quiescent state at the site during the procedure. Control of blood flow by selective inflation and deflation of either or both balloons, in concert with the procedures, will reduce the risk of emboli migrating to the brain.

Abstract: Filtration devices that include filtration cassettes that feature a plurality of stacked subassemblies, wherein at least one of the subassemblies includes a porous membrane having a front side and a back side and a perimeter; and an overmolded frame that encapsulates the membrane around the perimeter of the front side and the back side of the membrane; wherein the overmolded frame forms at least one retentate port, at least one feed port, at least one filtrate port, and a flow channel proximate a perimeter of the frame; and an overmolded plastic jacket that penetrates the flow channels of the subassemblies to seal the stacked subassemblies; and methods for making the filtration device and cassettes.

Abstract: A flexible kink-resistant introducer sheath (10). The introducer sheath includes an inner liner (31), a coil (33) and an outer tube (33). The inner liner includes a passageway (30) extending longitudinally therethrough, where a catheter (50) can be advanced through the passageway. The coil (33) has a plurality of turns positioned longitudinally and compression fitted around the inner liner (31), where the turns have a predetermined spacing therebetween. The outer tube (20) is positioned longitudinally around the coil (33) and the inner liner (31), and is connected to the inner liner through the spaces between the turns. A diameter difference between the inner liner and the catheter is in a range of about 0.0005 to about 0.004 inch (0.013 to about 0.10 mm).

Abstract: A burner construction having a body portion fabricated from a base material and coating material covering the base material. The base material is formed of copper or copper alloy having a conductivity of no less than about 100 watts/meter/.degree. C. Alternatively the base material can be silver. The coating material comprises nickel or nickel based alloy which can be an autocatalytic plating.