Abstract: A vascular access device capable of provided entry into a blood vessel with minimal trauma and a minimal number of steps is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device utilizes 21-guage needle to install a guide wire that is 0.018 inch in diameter. A 5-8 French outer sheath and inner cannula are closely dimensioned to the guide wire to improve tracking along the guide wire. The inner cannula may also have an annular recess at a tapered distal end. An annular protrusion is then provided on the distal tip of the outer sheath. The annular protrusion seats in the annular recess to provide a smooth exterior surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for securing a stent-graft deployed within an aorta relative to a renal artery. A distal end of a delivery device may be introduced into the aorta, the distal end carrying a stent thereon. The distal end may be advanced through an opening in the stent-graft at least partially into the renal artery, and the stent may be expanded to anchor the stent-graft relative to the renal artery and/or secure the stent relative to the renal artery. An exemplary flaring stent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular catheter and method of use of the catheter for aiding in balloon angioplasty and stent placement procedures are disclosed. The vascular catheter has a retrieval catheter with an expanded distal portion. The expanded distal portion has aspiration holes which allow aspiration of embolic debris during recovery of the embolic filter. A guide sheath may be used to guide the retrieval catheter past a stent and into position for aspiration and retrieval of the filter after stent placement.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for repairing aneurysms in the vasculature of a patient. An aneurysm is repaired by positioning a tube or graft within the vasculature, extending through the region of the aneurysm to provide a blood flow conduit similar to the native vasculature. The tube is held in place within the vasculature by at least one expandable body having at least one microstructure. The microstructures are attached to the expandable body in a low profile fashion suitable for atraumatic introduction to the vasculature with the use of a catheter or other suitable device. Each microstructure has an end which is attached to the expandable body and a free end. Once the apparatus is positioned within the vasculature in the desired location, the one or more of the microstructures are deployed so that the free ends project radially outwardly.

Abstract: A vascular catheter including a radially expandable segment, such as an inflatable balloon, and an expanded distal tip having an increased storage volume is disclosed. The inflatable balloon segment of the catheter may be used to provide traditional balloon angioplasty to a portion of a blood vessel narrowed by stenosis, and the expanded distal tip of the catheter apparatus may be used to safely capture, store, and remove a thromboembolic protection device such as an embolic filter used to catch pieces of plaque and other embolic material dislodged during the balloon angioplasty procedure. The catheter of the present invention provides an effective means for dilating a narrowed portion of a blood vessel, as well as preventing the need for deploying a second catheter system to capture and retrieve the embolic filter. The present invention also greatly reduces the chance for plaque and other thromboembolic material to escape from the embolic filter and enter the patient's bloodstream.

Abstract: A vascular catheter including a radially expandable initial dilation segment, such as an inflatable balloon and an expanded distal tip for releasably housing at least a portion of a thromboembolic protection device is disclosed. A vascular catheter including a shaft structured and arranged to at least partially house a thromboembolic protection device, a radially expandable initial dilation segment disposed on the shaft, and a radially expandable stent expanding segment disposed on the shaft, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved endovascular stent and stent graft, which may be combined to form a stent system. The stent system may be used to treat aneurysms, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms. The stent system includes at least one port located in the sidewalls of the stent and/or stent graft to allow for the delivery of embolic devices to locations outside of the stent system. Methods of utilizing the stent system for embolizing an aneurysm are also provided.