Abstract: A stent delivery assembly includes a delivery balloon having a balloon surface with microbristles extending therefrom, wherein at least a portion of the microbristles has a length within a range of 0.8 through 1.2 mm. Another stent delivery assembly includes a delivery balloon having a balloon surface with microbristles extending therefrom and a stent disposed around the delivery balloon, wherein the stent has interconnected struts with a strut thickness and the delivery balloon has a balloon surface with microbristles extending therefrom, wherein at least a portion of the microbristles has a length that is greater than the strut thickness. The balloon surface may form a monolithic structure with the microbristles. The microbristles may be made of a stiffer material than the balloon surface.

Abstract: An angle assist block for transcutaneous insertion of a needle for a patient is provided. The angle assist block comprises a body portion having an outer surface wherein the outer surface comprises a first side and a second side. The first side is configured to engage skin tissue and the second side opposes the first side. The angle assist block further comprises at least one channel formed through the body portion from the first side to the second side. The channel is angled relative to the first side defining an angle and to allow the needle to be inserted through the channel and transcutaneously introduced at the angle. The angle assist block comprises an attachment portion attached to the outer surface. The attachment portion is configured to removably attach to an attachment receiving member of a tissue visualization device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device delivery system. The delivery system includes an introducer sheath having an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and is configured to receive a medical device moveably disposed therein, where at least a portion of the inner surface of the inner tube comprises a non-uniform surface configured to reduce surface contact between the inner surface and the medical device. The delivery system includes an inner catheter configured to slidably extend throughout the passageway of the introducer sheath. A prosthesis is disposed within a distal portion of the introducer sheath, where the prosthesis is supported within the introducer sheath by the inner catheter.

Abstract: Drug coated stents for implantation in a body vessel are provided. A stent can include a plasma treatment on the luminal surface and a protein-adherence deterring layer on at least a portion of the luminal surface. A further embodiment includes a method of manufacturing a drug coated stent. Another further embodiment includes a method of treating a vascular condition with a drug coated stent.