Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation, comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon having a lumen and a balloon wall, the balloon wall comprising RF permeable sections and non-electrically conductive sections, an electrode disposed within the balloon and extending distally to the furthest distal RF permeable section. The RF permeable sections may comprise a plurality of RF permeable windows, each window having a greater circumferential dimension than an axial dimension. The intravascular system is suited for modulation of renal nerves.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation, comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon having a lumen and a balloon wall, the balloon wall comprising RF permeable sections and non-electrically conductive sections, an electrode disposed within the balloon and extending distally to the furthest distal RF permeable section. The RF permeable sections may comprise a plurality of RF permeable windows, each window having a greater circumferential dimension than an axial dimension. The intravascular system is suited for modulation of renal nerves.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation, comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon having a lumen and a balloon wall, the balloon wall comprising RF permeable sections and non-electrically conductive sections, an electrode disposed within the balloon and extending distally to the furthest distal RF permeable section. The RF permeable sections may comprise a plurality of RF permeable windows, each window having a greater circumferential dimension than an axial dimension. The intravascular system is suited for modulation of renal nerves.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for forming the medical devices are disclosed in the present application. In one illustrative example, a medical device may comprise a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end and may include a plurality of lumens extending through at least a portion of the catheter shaft. In some examples, the medical device may further include a balloon member disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter shaft, and the catheter shaft may comprise a frangible portion disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Medical devices, medical device systems, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device system may include a catheter shaft having a proximal end. A removable liner may extend through the catheter shaft. The removable liner may be designed to deliver a medical substance to a target region. The removable liner may be designed to be removed from the catheter shaft if the removable liner becomes plugged. The system may also include a replacement liner. The replacement liner may be designed to be inserted within the catheter shaft after the removal of the removable liner. A support member may be disposed along the replacement liner.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for electrically conductive pathways in medical devices. One embodiment of a medical device can include an elongate polymeric body having a proximal end and a distal end. Discrete particles of an electrically conductive material in the elongate polymeric body can form an electrically conductive pathway that extends at least partially between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate polymeric body.

Abstract: An activation circuit for selectively providing an electrical current to one or more electroactive polymers (EAPs) in a medical device is disclosed. The activation circuit may include a sensor for sensing a measure related to a parameter of an elongated member and/or a balloon of the medical device. The electrical current may be provided to the one or more EAPs according to the sensed parameter of the elongated member and/or the balloon of the medical device. In some cases, the activation circuit may include a comparator for comparing the sensed measure to a threshold to determine when the electrical current is applied to the EAPs. The parameter may be a pressure, a fluid flow, a temperature, and/or other suitable parameter.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a multiplicity of parallel membranes, such as found in a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a positioning device that can be seated on the limbus of the septum secundum (SS). The positioning device includes a piercing member that can pierce the SS and septum primum (SP). The positioning device also includes a fastening member that can engage the SS and SP to fasten the tissues and occlude a PFO.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for altering the configuration of a heart valve. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a cord delivered into the heart by a delivery catheter that can be manipulated by a receiving catheter so as to improve the heart valve function.

Abstract: A catheter for placement of an in situ implant is provided. This catheter may include a first elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a second elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a first sharpened distal tip disposed at the distal end of the first shaft and a second sharpened distal tip disposed at the distal end of the second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft may also be secured to one another at the distal end of the first shaft according to the invention. Still further, according to other teachings, the first sharpened distal tip may extend beyond the second sharpened distal tip in a catheter that practices the invention.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for locating a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with a positioning device that can be configured to occlude the PFO. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a positioning device that can be seated on the limbus of a septum secundum (SS). The positioning device includes a piercing member that can pierce the SS and a septum primum.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for altering the configuration of a heart valve. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a cord delivered into the heart by a delivery catheter that can be manipulated by a receiving catheter so as to improve the heart valve function.

Abstract: The invention is directed to mechanisms and methods that reduce the delamination of a therapeutic agent from a stent. The mechanisms include holes (channels, wells, and other hole configurations), protrusions, sintered metal cores, clamps/staples, pins, and stainless steel shields.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for electrically conductive pathways in medical devices. One embodiment of a medical device can include an elongate polymeric body having a proximal end and a distal end. Discrete particles of an electrically conductive material in the elongate polymeric body can form an electrically conductive pathway that extends at least partially between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate polymeric body.

Abstract: An activation circuit for selectively providing an electrical current to one or more electroactive polymers (EAPs) in a medical device is disclosed. The activation circuit may include a sensor for sensing a measure related to a parameter of an elongated member and/or a balloon of the medical device. The electrical current may be provided to the one or more EAPs according to the sensed parameter of the elongated member and/or the balloon of the medical device. In some cases, the activation circuit may include a comparator for comparing the sensed measure to a threshold to determine when the electrical current is applied to the EAPs. The parameter may be a pressure, a fluid flow, a temperature, and/or other suitable parameter.

Abstract: The invention is directed to mechanisms and methods that reduce the delamination of a therapeutic agent from a stent. The mechanisms include holes (channels, wells, and other hole configurations), protrusions, sintered metal cores, clamps/staples, pins, and stainless steel shields.

Abstract: A percutaneous system for bypassing a restriction in a native vessel of a mammal having an aorta includes providing a graft having a body portion with a first end, a second end and a lumen therebetween. An aperture is formed in the aorta. The graft is inserted into the aorta and the first end of the graft is connected to the aorta about the aperture in the aorta. An aperture is then formed in the native vessel distal of the restriction. The second end of the graft is connected to the native vessel about the aperture therein such that the lumen in the graft communicates with the aorta and the native vessel.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic implant to a tissue is provided. This method includes providing an elongate catheter having a distal end including a lumen, providing a carrier including a therapeutic agent, placing the carrier including the therapeutic agent into the lumen, advancing the distal end of the catheter to the tissue, and depositing the carrier including the therapeutic agent into the tissue.

Abstract: A method for delivering a therapeutic implant to a tissue is provided. This method includes providing an elongate catheter having a distal end including a lumen, providing a carrier including a therapeutic agent, placing the carrier including the therapeutic agent into the lumen, advancing the distal end of the catheter to the tissue, and depositing the carrier including the therapeutic agent into the tissue.

Abstract: A percutaneous system for bypassing a restriction in a native vessel of a mammal having an aorta includes providing a graft having a body portion with a first end, a second end and a lumen therebetween. An aperture is formed in the aorta. The graft is inserted into the aorta and the first end of the graft is connected to the aorta about the aperture in the aorta. An aperture is then formed in the native vessel distal of the restriction. The second end of the graft is connected to the native vessel about the aperture therein such that the lumen in the graft communicates with the aorta and the native vessel.