Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and kits are provided for delivering interventional devices to a target location with a body. Such interventional devices particularly include fixation devices or any devices which approximate tissue, such as valve leaflets. The delivery devices and systems direct the interventional device to the target location through a minimally invasive approach, such as through the patient's vasculature, and provide for manipulation of the interventional device at the target location, such as to approximate tissue. Optionally, the delivery devices and systems may provide for decoupling of the interventional device, allowing the interventional device to be left behind as an implant.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and kits are provided for delivering interventional devices to a target location with a body. Such interventional devices particularly include fixation devices or any devices which approximate tissue, such as valve leaflets. The delivery devices and systems direct the interventional device to the target location through a minimally invasive approach, such as through the patient's vasculature, and provide for manipulation of the interventional device at the target location, such as to approximate tissue. Optionally, the delivery devices and systems may provide for decoupling of the interventional device, allowing the interventional device to be left behind as an implant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of making a guidewire with a preformed three dimensional profile is described. The Apparatus comprises a mandrel having a screw thread for receiving a core wire and at least one securing means for holding the core wire onto the mandrel. The core wire must be retained under tension in order to properly impart the desired shape into the core wire. A system and method of using the apparatus is disclosed comprising the steps of loading the core wire onto the mandrel, securing the core wire and mandrel and then heating the assembly until the wire takes the desired shape.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cutter capable of removing soft and hard tissue when used with an atherectomy catheter of the type having a cutter housing attached to the distal end of a catheter having a torque cable. A circular cutting blade is disposed within the housing and is secured to the distal end of a rotatable torque cable. An elongated aperture formed along one side of the hosing allows the intrusion of stenotic material which may then be severed by rotating and axially translating the cutting blade. The cutting blade may be made from a cemented tungsten carbide compound of 90 percent tungsten carbide (WC) and 10 percent cobalt (Co) which is heated, injection molded and sintered to produce a hard, durable cutting edge. The cutting edge is coated with titanium carbonitride using a physical vapor deposition process to further increase durability. Cutting edge hardness is further increased by application of an ion implantation of nitrogen using an ion-beam assisted deposition process.