Abstract: An expandable delivery sheath is provided for intravascular introduction into a patient's vasculature by means of a guiding catheter. An interventional device, such as a stent delivery catheter, is subsequently advanced within the expandable sheath to a point where the stent traverses an arterial lesion. The sheath forms a protective barrier between the lesion and the stent and it delivery catheter, thereby preventing the creation of emboli which might otherwise be produced by abrasion of the stent against the plaque of the arterial lesion. Prior to expansion of the stent, the expandable sheath is retracted from the area of treatment.

Abstract: An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disc mounted to a compliant joint, a flexible locking arm for mounting such suction member or compliant joint, and a method for retracting and suspending an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) in at least the vertical direction during both steps. In preferred embodiments, a suction member exerts suction to retract a beating heart and suspend it in a retracted position during surgery. As the retracted heart beats, the compliant joint allows it to expand and contract freely (and otherwise move naturally) at least in the vertical direction so that hemodynamic function is not compromised. The suction member conforms or can be conformed to the organ anatomy, and its inner surface is preferably smooth and lined with absorbent material to improve traction without causing trauma to the organ.

Abstract: An intravascular snare device for use in capturing debris found in blood vessels. The snare device is fabricated from a tube and includes longitudinally and circumferentially extending members. The snare device specifically embodies structure that provides enhanced radial opening and angular resistance to collapse.

Abstract: An organ manipulator including at least one suction member or adhesive disc mounted to a compliant joint, a flexible locking arm for mounting such suction member or compliant joint, and a method for retracting and suspending an organ in a retracted position using suction (or adhesive force) so that the organ is free to move normally (e.g., to beat or undergo other limited-amplitude motion) in at least the vertical direction during both steps. In preferred embodiments, a suction member exerts suction to retract a beating heart and suspend it in a retracted position during surgery. As the retracted heart beats, the compliant joint allows it to expand and contract freely (and otherwise move naturally) at least in the vertical direction so that hemodynamic function is not compromised. The suction member conforms or can be conformed to the organ anatomy, and its inner surface is preferably smooth and lined with absorbent material to improve traction without causing trauma to the organ.

Abstract: An organ-stabilizing element is covered with a layer of textile material such as cloth enhance slip-free engagement with an organ such as a beating heart during surgery thereon. The organ-stabilizing element is supported on a stacked structure of successive ball elements and rings that can be selectively flexible or rigid in response to tensioning of a flexible cable within a central bore of the structure.