Abstract: A transcatheter valve frame comprising a valve frame comprising an elongate tubular member having a longitudinal axis and a circumference, the elongate tubular member comprising a plurality of struts interconnected by peaks and valleys that define a closed cell construction comprising a plurality of interconnected cells, the valve frame is formed from a single piece of material comprising a metal or metal alloy, the valve frame having a diameter that increases upon axial compression and the valve frame comprising a locking mechanism integral with the valve frame configured to fix the diameter of the valve frame.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.

Abstract: A stent manufacturing device and methods for making intravascular stents and other medical devices. The stent manufacturing device may include a base, a laser or other cutting device coupled to the base, a horizontal motor coupled to the base, and a rotary motor coupled to the horizontal motor. A workpiece can be attached to the cutting device, for example adjacent the rotary motor, and the workpiece can be cut with the cutting device.

Abstract: A medical device is provided with a porous region including a reservoir zone including a polymer and a protective zone between adjacent tissue and the reservoir zone that restricts the tissue from direct contact with the polymer.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member for producing a medical device, wherein the tubular member is oriented in a longitudinally vertical position during processing.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member for producing a medical device, wherein the tubular member is oriented in a longitudinally vertical position during processing.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for coupling guidewire system components are disclosed. A guidewire system includes a first wire having a first end and a second wire having a second end which may be selectively coupled to the first end of the first wire. Such guidewire systems are useful as guidewire extension systems.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a substrate has been subjected to an energy source. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a polymeric surface, providing a light emitting material having a specified emission spectrum that changes upon exposure to an energy source on the surface or embedded in said substrate and applying said energy source to said surface with said light emitting material. This method can be particularly useful for detecting the bond quality in medical devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fabricating medical devices are disclosed. A device in accordance with the present inventions includes a laser beam source capable of producing a laser beam, a carrier coupled to a carrier motion actuator capable of moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and a workpiece motion actuator capable of moving a workpiece relative the laser beam. A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of positioning the carrier between the laser beam source and the workpiece, illuminating a portion of the carrier with the laser beam, moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and moving the workpiece relative to the laser beam.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Moreover, the present invention relates to catheters with improved shaft designs, particularly improved flexibility, pushability, torquability, and limited kinking. A catheter shaft, comprising an elongate support member, a longitudinal axis, a sheath disposed about the elongate support member, and at least one gap along the longitudinal axis is disclosed. The gap defines a first edge and a second edge. The gap may comprise a variable taper. Alternately, a first projection extends from the first edge and a second projection extends from the second edge. The projections may comprise interlocking rounded projections, non-interlocking projections, interlocking projections, modified projections of differing shapes, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member for producing a medical device, wherein the tubular member is oriented in a longitudinally vertical position during processing.

Abstract: A system and method for processing a tubular member comprises a hollow tubular member, a laser and a media flow. The laser is constructed and arranged to transmit laser energy to the tubular member. The laser energy is transmitted to the tubular member through a fluid column according to a predetermined pattern. The media flow is injected into the lumen of the hollow tubular member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for coupling guidewire system components are disclosed. A guidewire system includes a first wire having a first end and a second wire having a second end which may be selectively coupled to the first end of the first wire. Such guidewire systems are useful as guidewire extension systems.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a substrate has been subjected to an energy source. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a polymeric surface, providing a light emitting material having a specified emission spectrum that changes upon exposure to an energy source on the surface or embedded in said substrate and applying said energy source to said surface with said light emitting material. This method can be particularly useful for detecting the bond quality in medical devices.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fabricating medical devices are disclosed. A device in accordance with the present inventions includes a laser beam source capable of producing a laser beam, a carrier coupled to a carrier motion actuator capable of moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and a workpiece motion actuator capable of moving a workpiece relative the laser beam. A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of positioning the carrier between the laser beam source and the workpiece, illuminating a portion of the carrier with the laser beam, moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and moving the workpiece relative to the laser beam.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fabricating medical devices are disclosed. A device in accordance with the present inventions includes a laser beam source capable of producing a laser beam, a carrier coupled to a carrier motion actuator capable of moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and a workpiece motion actuator capable of moving a workpiece relative the laser beam. A method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of positioning the carrier between the laser beam source and the workpiece, illuminating a portion of the carrier with the laser beam, moving the carrier relative to the laser beam, and moving the workpiece relative to the laser beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catheters for performing medical procedures including percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. Moreover, the present invention relates to catheters with improved shaft designs, particularly improved flexibility, pushability, torquability, and limited kinking. A catheter shaft, comprising an elongate support member, a longitudinal axis, a sheath disposed about the elongate support member, and at least one gap along the longitudinal axis is disclosed. The gap defines a first edge and a second edge. The gap may comprise a variable taper. Alternately, a first projection extends from the first edge and a second projection extends from the second edge. The projections may comprise interlocking rounded projections, non-interlocking projections, interlocking projections, modified projections of differing shapes, and combinations thereof.