Abstract: This invention relates to photodynamic therapy (PDT) of vulnerable plaque using two pluralities of nanoparticles, one plurality comprising a PDT agent that is sensitive to blue-green light wherein the nanoparticles are capable of penetrating only into the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque and one plurality comprising a PDT agent that is sensitive to red light wherein the nanoparticles are capable of penetrating into the core of the vulnerable plaque.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are disclosed which provide controlled, sustained release of a biologic therapeutic to a space within the body. More specifically, formulations comprising a plurality of hydrophilic polymer strands, and methods of forming and administering such formulations, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the formulations exhibit a burst release, an initial release, a triphasic release, and release over thirty to ninety days of the biologic therapeutic. In some embodiments, the formulations exhibit reversible precipitation of the biologic therapeutic into precipitates having a diameter of about 50 nm to about 10 ?m.

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: A polymer comprising a phosphoryl choline moiety(ies), a composition comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, an implantable device such as a DES or a non-implantable device such as an angioplasty balloon comprising thereon a coating comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, and a method of using the device for the treatment of a disorder in a human being are provided.

Abstract: Formulations and methods are disclosed which provide controlled, sustained release of a biologic therapeutic to a space within the body. More specifically, formulations comprising a plurality of hydrophilic polymer strands, and methods of forming and administering such formulations, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the formulations exhibit a burst release, an initial release, a triphasic release, and release over thirty to ninety days of the biologic therapeutic. In some embodiments, the formulations exhibit reversible precipitation of the biologic therapeutic into precipitates having a diameter of about 50 nm to about 10 ?m.

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: Methods of fabricating a bioresorbable polymer scaffold are disclosed including a step of inducing crystallization in a bioresorbable polymer construct through exposure to a liquid penetrant.

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: A catheter apparatus for treatment of a human patient is described, the catheter apparatus having a central axis and comprising a shaping structure moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. The shaping structure is configured to have a reverse taper with a structural diameter that varies over the length of the shaping structure such that the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the proximal end is smaller than the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the distal end.

Abstract: Catheter-based systems for in-vivo targeted light therapy include a first type of catheter configured for photo-activating photosensitive substances in tissue, and a second type of catheter configured for photo-degrading photosensitive substances in tissue. The catheters may be configured to produce light using a variety of light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and fiber optics. The light transmission is directed to tissue in such a way that only portions of tissue in a treatment area are exposed to light, depending upon whether the tissue is diseased or healthy.

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 catheter apparatus for treatment of a human patient is described, the catheter apparatus having a central axis and comprising a shaping structure moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. The shaping structure is configured to have a reverse taper with a structural diameter that varies over the length of the shaping structure such that the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the proximal end is smaller than the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the distal end.

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: A steel set assembly includes a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs with the first pair of legs being spaced from and positioned opposite the second pair of legs. First and second beams are provided with the first beam being secured to one leg of the first pair of legs and one leg of the second pair of legs. The second beam is secured to the other leg of the first pair of legs and the other leg of the second pair of legs. A panel is secured to the first and second beams and includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a pad. The block is secured to the base and the pad is positioned between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the block.

Abstract: A medical device includes a curved tubular body configured for being used as an extravascular device to support vein maturation following the formation of an arteriovenous fistula. The tubular body is curved. The tubular body has an entrance angle of less than about 40 degrees to improve blood flow from the artery into the vein. And the tubular body includes a cuff or edge at the proximal end to stabilize the tubular body at the fistula.

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: Methods of fabricating a bioresorbable polymer scaffold are disclosed including a step of inducing crystallization in a bioresorbable polymer construct through exposure to a liquid penetrant.

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: A method including advancing a delivery device through a lumen of a blood vessel to a particular region in the blood vessel; and introducing a composition including a sustained-release carrier and an apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) synthetic mimetic peptide into a wall of the blood vessel at the particular region or a perivascular site, wherein the peptide has a property that renders the peptide effective in reverse cholesterol transport. A composition including an apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) synthetic peptide, or combination of an apo A-I synthetic mimetic peptide and an Acyl CoA cholesterol: acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor in a form suitable for delivery into a blood vessel, the peptide including an amino acid sequence in an order reverse to an order of various apo A-I mimetic peptides, or endogenous apo A-I analogs, or a chimera of helix 1 and helix 9 of endogenous apo A-I.