Abstract: The present invention is a packaged system that includes a housing to protect a treatment device mounted on a distal portion of a catheter. The housing holds the device suspended such that there is little or no contact between the housing and the device, protecting the device from physical damage and also from exchange of chemical components between the device and the packaging materials, which can occur when a device remains in contact with packaging materials over an extended period of time. A port in the housing allows a controlled environment, for example a vacuum, to be maintained within the housing. A hollow stylet inserted into the distal end of the catheter before the catheter is placed in the housing precludes compression of the catheter and provides an injection port through which the catheter may be flushed with a fluid prior to use, eliminating the need for a separate flushing cannula.

Abstract: The present invention is a packaged system that includes a housing to protect a treatment device mounted on a distal portion of a catheter. The housing holds the device suspended such that there is little or no contact between the housing and the device, protecting the device from physical damage and also from exchange of chemical components between the device and the packaging materials, which can occur when a device remains in contact with packaging materials over an extended period of time. A port in the housing allows a controlled environment, for example a vacuum, to be maintained within the housing. A hollow stylet inserted into the distal end of the catheter before the catheter is placed in the housing precludes compression of the catheter and provides an injection port through which the catheter may be flushed with a fluid prior to use, eliminating the need for a separate flushing cannula.

Abstract: The present invention is a packaged system that includes a housing to protect a treatment device mounted on a distal portion of a catheter. The housing holds the device suspended such that there is little or no contact between the housing and the device, protecting the device from physical damage and also from exchange of chemical components between the device and the packaging materials, which can occur when a device remains in contact with packaging materials over an extended period of time. A port in the housing allows a controlled environment, for example a vacuum, to be maintained within the housing. A hollow stylet inserted into the distal end of the catheter before the catheter is placed in the housing precludes compression of the catheter and provides an injection port through which the catheter may be flushed with a fluid prior to use, eliminating the need for a separate flushing cannula.

Abstract: A system for delivering a stent having a ratchet mechanism includes a delivery catheter having a movable elastic sleeve. The elastic sleeve covers the ratchet mechanism of the stent and prevents the ratchet mechanism from contacting a guide catheter or the vascular wall, and facilitates retraction of the delivery catheter into a guide catheter. The sleeve is retracted in order to deploy the stent. One embodiment of the invention includes a guide catheter having a curved, flexible distal tip to facilitate delivery of the stent. Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of repositioning and deploying a stent having a ratchet mechanism within a blood vessel.

Abstract: A protective packaging system for a medical device includes a housing and an end cap. The housing surrounds the distal portion of a catheter bearing a medical device so that the device is suspended in a protective chamber. The end cap holds the housing closed. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for removing a catheter and medical device from the packaging system.

Abstract: A system for treating a vascular condition includes a catheter having a drug delivery lumen and an expandable jaw device at the distal end of the catheter. The jaw device includes drug delivery ports in communication with the lumen, so that a therapeutic agent can be delivered to a treatment site. Another embodiment provides a method for expanding a jaw device at a treatment site and delivering a therapeutic agent. Another embodiment includes a catheter having an expandable member with hollow needles disposed on the outer surface of the expandable member. Yet another embodiment provides a method for expanding the expandable member at a treatment site and delivering a therapeutic agent into the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is a packaged system that includes a housing to protect a treatment device mounted on a distal portion of a catheter. The housing holds the device suspended such that there is little or no contact between the housing and the device, protecting the device from physical damage and also from exchange of chemical components between the device and the packaging materials, which can occur when a device remains in contact with packaging materials over an extended period of time. A port in the housing allows a controlled environment, for example a vacuum, to be maintained within the housing. A hollow stylet inserted into the distal end of the catheter before the catheter is placed in the housing precludes compression of the catheter and provides an injection port through which the catheter may be flushed with a fluid prior to use, eliminating the need for a separate flushing cannula.

Abstract: A stent with a protective assembly is provided. The stent comprises at least one stent segment, operatively adapted for deployment from the sheath member, and at least one sheath member removably enclosing the stent segment and operatively adapted to protect the stent segment from handling. Methods and systems for use of the stent are also provided.