Abstract: A method for deployment of a multi-part endoluminal device comprises deploying a first portion of the device sequentially from its distal end to its proximal end, then deploying a second portion of the device sequentially from its proximal end to its distal end so that its distal end overlaps the first portion proximal end. The system for deploying the endoluminal device comprises a first introducer loaded with a first endoluminal device and adapted to deploy the first device sequentially from the distal end to the proximal end, and a second introducer loaded with a second endoluminal device and adapted to anchor the second endoluminal device proximal end while deploying the second endoluminal device sequentially from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: An endo-vascular fastener applicator is provided for endo-luminal fastening of a prosthetic to a vessel with a fastener. The applicator includes a tubular body that is configured for positioning within a vessel, an expandable portion disposed adjacent the distal end of the tubular body and deployed to support a prosthetic in contact with an inner surface of a vessel, and a drive assembly for advancing a fastener into the prosthetic. A delivery tube may be included that is disposed for movement within the tubular body, and which defines a channel for movement of the drive assembly there within. The delivery tube may include an applicator head. The applicator head may include an injection mount that is disposed for movement relative to a prosthetic.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting, or surgical procedure comprising apparatus for occluding the external carotid artery to prevent reversal of flow into the internal carotid artery during carotid stenting, the apparatus further comprising a wedge or capsule configured to reduce the risk of potentially dangerous interaction with the stent during retrieval.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return catheter with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. A blood filter and/or flow control valve may be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient and to control the degree of flow reversal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of stroke are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention disposes at least one catheter having a distal occlusive member in either the common carotid artery (CCA) or both the vertebral artery (VA) and the CCA on the hemisphere of the cerebral occlusion. Blood flow in the opposing carotid and/or vertebral arteries may be inhibited. Retrograde or antegrade flow may be provided through either catheter independently to effectively control cerebral flow characteristics. Under such controlled flow conditions, a thrombectomy device may be used to treat the occlusion, and any emboli generated are directed into the catheter(s).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of stroke are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention disposes at least one catheter having a distal occlusive member in the common carotid artery of the hemisphere of the cerebral occlusion. Retrograde flow may be provided through the catheter to effectively control cerebral flow characteristics. Under such controlled flow conditions, a thrombectomy device may be used to treat the occlusion, and any emboli generated are directed into the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of stroke are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention disposes at least one catheter having a distal occlusive member in either the common carotid artery (CCA) or both the vertebral artery (VA) and the CCA on the hemisphere of the cerebral occlusion. Blood flow in the opposing carotid and/or vertebral arteries may be inhibited. Retrograde or antegrade flow may be provided through either catheter independently to effectively control cerebral flow characteristics. Under such controlled flow conditions, a thrombectomy device may be used to treat the occlusion, and any emboli generated are directed into the catheter(s).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of stroke are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention disposes at least one catheter having a distal occlusive member in either the common carotid artery (CCA) or both the vertebral artery (VA) and the CCA on the hemisphere of the cerebral occlusion. Blood flow in the opposing carotid and/or vertebral arteries may be inhibited. Retrograde or antegrade flow may be provided through either catheter independently to effectively control cerebral flow characteristics. Under such controlled flow conditions, a thrombectomy device may be used to treat the occlusion, and any emboli generated are directed into the catheter(s).

Abstract: A guiding device and method for inserting and advancing more than one catheter and/or guidewire through the vascular tree of a patient in endovascular treatments, particularly through tortuous blood vessels, the guiding device comprising an open or close guiding channel provided at a distal end of the catheter or guidewire, whereby the catheter or guidewire may be easily advanced through the vessel over a previously installed guidewire.

Abstract: An endovascular device is configured to elastically expand to a first outer diameter, plastically deform to a second outer diameter, and retain a third outer diameter that is greater than about 90% of the second outer diameter after a device that has been utilized to deform the endovascular device to the second outer diameter has been removed from the endovascular device. A method of fabricating the endovascular device includes aging the endovascular device at about 485° C. for about 120 minutes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return sheath with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. Apparatus is also provided for occluding the external carotid artery to prevent reversal of flow into the internal carotid artery. The pressure differential between the artery and the vein provides reverse flow through the artery, thereby flushing emboli. A blood filter may optionally be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing emboli during an endarterectomy procedure are provided. The present invention provides a proximal catheter disposed proximal to a stenosis and a distal catheter disposed distal to the stenosis. Each catheter may selectively communicate with a venous return catheter via a manifold having a setting controlled by a physician. Blood flows into an aspiration lumen of the distal catheter and is reperfused into a remote vein via the venous return catheter. Additionally, emboli generated during the procedure are removed via an aspiration lumen of the proximal catheter, and filtered blood then is reperfused into the remote vein.

Abstract: An introducer for implanting a prosthesis in a junction of a main lumen and a branch lumen. The prosthesis comprises a trunk to be implanted within the main lumen and at least one arm to be implanted within the branch lumen. The introducer comprises an outer sheath, an axial guide wire and at least one peripheral guide wire slideable within the outer sheath, and a nose cone at a distal end of the sheath. The nose cone has an axial conduit for receiving the axial guide wire and at least one peripheral channel for guiding the peripheral guide wire and guiding it into the branch lumen. A unitary branched prosthesis having at least one radial arm may be deployed using this introducer. Methods for deploying a unitary or modular branched prosthesis at a junction in a lumen use the introducer of this invention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return catheter with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. Apparatus is also provided for occluding the external carotid artery to prevent reversal of flow into the internal carotid artery. The pressure differential between the artery and the vein provides reverse flow through the artery, thereby flushing emboli. A blood filter may optionally be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return catheter with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. Apparatus is also provided for occluding the external carotid artery to prevent reversal of flow into the internal carotid artery. The pressure differential between the artery and the vein provides reverse flow through the artery, thereby flushing emboli. A blood filter may optionally be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient.

Abstract: A protective device against embolization is provided for use in angioplasty of the carotid artery comprising a guide catheter that forms a lumen, and a tubular member axially movable in the lumen and having a distal end expandable against the walls of the artery. The distal end includes a drainage port with non-folding edges that communicates through the tubular member with an outlet port having an hemostatic valve and an access port that enables the introduction of a guide wire and angioplasty balloon. When deployed in the carotid artery, the distal end occludes antegrade flow through the vessel and induces retrograde flow that carries emboli through the drainage port and out of the body.

Abstract: A prosthesis comprising a graft and an expandable stent underlying the graft, the stent and graft being linked together only at or near their distal ends. The difference in stent length between compressed and expanded radial configurations may exceed the difference in graft length between such configurations. An introducer for such prosthesis comprises an interior sheath axially mounted inside an exterior sheath, with the graft positioned between the interior and exterior sheaths and the stent compressed at least partially inside the interior sheath. A method for deploying the prosthesis using such an introducer may include positioning the introducer distal end upstream relative to proximally flowing endoluminal fluid so that the endoluminal fluid may flow between the graft and inner sheath during stent deployment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for removing emboli during an angioplasty, stenting or surgical procedure comprising a catheter having an occlusion element, an aspiration lumen, and a blood outlet port in communication with the lumen, a guide wire having a balloon, a venous return catheter with a blood inlet port, and tubing that couples the blood outlet port to the blood inlet port. Apparatus is also provided for occluding the external carotid artery to prevent reversal of flow into the internal carotid artery. The pressure differential between the artery and the vein provides reverse flow through the artery, thereby flushing emboli. A blood filter may optionally be included in-line with the tubing to filter emboli from blood reperfused into the patient.

Abstract: An arterial graft device and a process for positioning the same, wherein said device comprises a first part positioned by conventional techniques within the artery, and a second part positioned on the first part by guiding means which are provided on the first part so as to prevent a catheter guidewire—whereby said second part is positioned in place—from deviating and damaging arterial walls.

Abstract: An arterial graft device and a process for positioning the same, wherein the device comprises a first part positioned by conventional techniques within the artery, and a second part which is positioned and fixed on the first part by a cone-shaped segment which is provided on the first part so as to prevent a catheter guidewire—whereby the second part is positioned in place—from deviating and damaging arterial walls.