Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.

Abstract: A device for the processing of a sample comprises a location apparatus, a processing chamber for receiving the sample and a plurality of reagent chambers. The reagent chambers have openings defined in the location apparatus. The processing chamber is movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication with each reagent chamber in turn.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.

Abstract: Bioabsorbable scaffolds are disclosed with a rigid polymer component and a rubbery polymer component. The rubbery polymer component is miscible, partially miscible, or immiscible with the rigid polymer component.

Abstract: An ophthalmic shunt includes a seal or septum through which multiple injections of the therapeutic agent can be made as needed, thereby avoiding repeated injury to the sclera. The therapeutic agent is temporarily carried in a tube connected to the septum. The therapeutic agent release may be rapid or sustained over a period of time.

Abstract: A device for the processing of a sample comprises a location apparatus, a processing chamber for receiving the sample and a plurality of reagent chambers. The reagent chambers have openings defined in the location apparatus. The processing chamber is movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication with each reagent chamber in turn.

Abstract: A system and method for coating an expandable member of a medical device comprising a support structure to support the expandable member and a dispenser positioned with at least one outlet proximate a surface of an expandable member. A drive assembly establishes relative movement between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member to apply fluid on the surface of the expandable member along a coating path. A guide maintains a substantially fixed distance between the at least one outlet and the surface of the expandable member during relative movement therebetween by displacing the expandable member relative to the at least one outlet.

Abstract: A device for the processing of a sample comprises a location apparatus, a processing chamber for receiving the sample and a plurality of reagent chambers. The reagent chambers have openings defined in the location apparatus. The processing chamber is movable relative to the reagent chambers to enable sequential communication with each reagent chamber in turn.

Abstract: An apparatus for vascular denervation, comprising a catheter configured for delivery into a vessel of a patient. A balloon is mounted on a distal tip of the catheter, the balloon being configured to be inflatable and further configured so that, upon inflation, the balloon adopts a shape that includes a first edge and a second edge that wind around each other in a double helix, the first edge and the second edge being separated from each other by a first crease and a second crease that also wind around each other in a double helix. A first electrode is attached to the balloon and is located to extend along the first edge.

Abstract: A therapeutic formulation is described for a drug delivery balloon comprising a therapeutic formulation which includes a therapeutic agent and an adhesion additive. The adhesion additive promotes adhesion of the therapeutic formulation a vessel wall of a subject. A system and a method of manufacturing a system including an expandable member having a working length with the therapeutic formulation disposed along at least a portion of the working length is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus defining a first lumen with a first internal diameter, the catheter apparatus further comprising a shaping structure having a distal end and a proximal end and a length therebetween, the shaping structure being moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. A deployment member having a second lumen with a second internal diameter, a first portion of the deployment member being positioned within the first lumen and having a third outside diameter sized to enable the deployment member to slide within the first lumen, the deployment member being operably coupled to the distal end of the shaping structure and being configured such that distal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the delivery state, and proximal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the deployed state.

Abstract: Method of modifying the coating of a surface of a medical device by applying a coating to the surface of the medical device, exposing the medical device to an environmental condition that alters the coating morphology, and drying the coating on the medical device. The disclosed subject matter also provides a coated medical device whose one or more surfaces have been modified by this method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems for and corresponding methods of delivering a therapeutic agent to a vessel wall of a body lumen by providing a compound capable of being crosslinked after intraluminal release onto a vessel wall so that the therapeutic agent is temporarily retained at the site of delivery by the crosslinked compound.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for forming an arteriovenous (AV) fistula include a stent having an arterial tubular portion and vein supporting tongue connected by a pre-shaped connector and a venous frustoconical stent having a distal end for maintaining a take-off angle for the venous portion of the AV fistula. Also disclosed is an angled balloon for assisting with the formation of the AV fistula. The medical devices disclosed herein support an AV fistula formation having a desired take off angle of about 30 degrees, or between about 15 and 45 degrees.

Abstract: Method of coating an expandable member, e.g. balloon, is provided, the method comprising providing an expandable member having an outer surface. The method includes a plasma treatment with a supply of gas performed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the expandable member. A therapeutic agent is applied on at least the plasma treated portion of the outer surface of the expandable member after the plasma treatment is performed. The plasma treatment can reduce the adhesion of therapeutic agent to the surface of the expandable member. A medical device made by the disclosed method is also provided.

Abstract: A tubular tissue graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the tubular tissue. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. 5 Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft comprising depositing a fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a perimeter of a tubular tissue to produce a tubular tissue graft device. A cardiac bypass method comprising bypassing a coronary artery with a tubular tissue graft device comprising a vein and a restrictive fiber matrix of a bioerodible polymer about a circumference of the vein also is provided.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.