Abstract: A method for coating a medical device includes applying a second layer that includes a second drug on a first layer of on the medical device. The first layer includes a first drug, which may be in crystalline form. By selecting an appropriate solvent use in applying the second layer and appropriate process conditions, the second layer may be applied such that the first drug retains one or more therapeutic properties. For example, the second layer may be applied such that the first drug maintains its crystalline form. The first and second layers may be free of polymer.

Abstract: Angioplasty balloons coated with at least one limus drug, which may be in crystalline form, optionally with at least one excipient, and methods for manufacturing such coated angioplasty balloons.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter (e.g., a balloon catheter) includes a guidewire tube extending through a catheter body and a coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the guidewire tube. In some examples, the coating is an elastomeric coating. The coating is configured to increase friction between the portion of the outer surface of the guidewire tube and an inner surface of the catheter body when the portion of the outer surface contacts an inner surface of the catheter body.

Abstract: A variety of nanoparticles or microparticles may be used to treat diseases such as restenosis or blood clots. For example, a nanoparticle or microparticle may include a core having a biodegradable polymer, an exterior having hydrophilic moieties. and a therapeutic agent. The nanoparticles may include targeting moieties that target the nanoparticle or microparticle to an arterial lesion. The nanoparticle or microparticle may include an exterior shell around the core to increase stability of the nanoparticle or microparticle. The nanoparticle or microparticle may include a magnetic particle to allow targeted delivery of the nanoparticle or microparticle via a magnetic field. The nanoparticles or microparticles may be coated on a medical device, such as a catheter balloon or a stent, or may be delivered systemically or locally to patients in need thereof.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter (e.g., a balloon catheter) includes a guidewire tube extending through a catheter body and a coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the guidewire tube. In some examples, the coating is an elastomeric coating. The coating is configured to increase friction between the portion of the outer surface of the guidewire tube and an inner surface of the catheter body when the portion of the outer surface contacts an inner surface of the catheter body.

Abstract: Angioplasty balloons coated with at least one limus drug, which may be in crystalline form, optionally with at least one excipient, and methods for manufacturing such coated angioplasty balloons.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly for repairing a target tissue defect within a target vessel region configured includes an exclusion structure sized to substantially bypass target tissue defect, and includes a branch assembly. The branch assembly can include a self-expanding outer branch prosthesis having an inflow region configured to deform to a non-circular cross-sectional-shape when deployed, and a support structure at least partially disposed within the inflow region. The support structure preserves blood flow to the branch vessel while the deformed inflow region inhibits blood leakage between and/or around the prosthetic assembly.

Abstract: In some examples, a splittable sheath includes a sheath body defining a lumen configured to receive an expandable balloon of a catheter, and a tab extending from a proximal end or a distal end of the sheath body. The tab includes a major surface having an outer edge defining a serpentine shape. Outward movement of the tab relative to a central longitudinal axis of the sheath body causes splitting of the sheath body.

Abstract: A method for coating a medical device includes applying a second layer that includes a second drug on a first layer of on the medical device. The first layer includes a first drug, which may be in crystalline form. By selecting an appropriate solvent use in applying the second layer and appropriate process conditions, the second layer may be applied such that the first drug retains one or more therapeutic properties. For example, the second layer may be applied such that the first drug maintains its crystalline form. The first and second layers may be free of polymer.

Abstract: An occlusion bypassing apparatus is disclosed for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The apparatus includes an outer shaft component, an inner shaft component disposed within the outer shaft component, and a needle component slidably disposed within the inner shaft component. The inner shaft component includes a body portion and a needle housing, which is distal to the body portion. The needle housing is less flexible than the body portion. In order to smooth the transition between the body portion and the needle housing, the needle housing includes a transition portion that has a variable flexibility along its length that decreases in a distal direction. A curved distal end of the needle component is distally advanced relative to the inner shaft component to pierce through the intima of the vessel and thereafter enter the true lumen.

Abstract: In some examples, a splittable sheath includes a sheath body defining a lumen configured to receive an expandable balloon of a catheter, and a tab extending from a proximal end or a distal end of the sheath body. The tab includes a major surface having an outer edge defining a serpentine shape. Outward movement of the tab relative to a central longitudinal axis of the sheath body causes splitting of the sheath body.

Abstract: An occlusion bypassing apparatus for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The apparatus includes an outer shaft component, a needle component, and an inflatable balloon. The outer shaft component has a side port proximal to a distal end thereof and a needle lumen there-through that includes a curved distal portion that terminates at the side port of the outer shaft component. The needle component is configured to be slidably disposed within the needle lumen of the outer shaft component. The inflatable balloon includes a body portion that is disposed distal to the side port of the outer shaft component, and the body portion of the balloon has a flattened profile in an inflated state with first and second chambers that laterally extend from opposing sides of the outer shaft component for stabilizing the apparatus within a subintimal space.

Abstract: A variety of nanoparticles or microparticles may be used to treat diseases such as restenosis or blood clots. For example, a nanoparticle or microparticle may include a core having a biodegradable polymer, an exterior having hydrophilic moieties. and a therapeutic agent. The nanoparticles may include targeting moieties that target the nanoparticle or microparticle to an arterial lesion. The nanoparticle or microparticle may include an exterior shell around the core to increase stability of the nanoparticle or microparticle. The nanoparticle or microparticle may include a magnetic particle to allow targeted delivery of the nanoparticle or microparticle via a magnetic field. The nanoparticles or microparticles may be coated on a medical device, such as a catheter balloon or a stent, or may be delivered systemically or locally to patients in need thereof.

Abstract: An occlusion bypassing apparatus for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The apparatus includes an outer shaft component having a needle lumen there-through. A proximal end of the outer shaft component is fixed within a handle of the apparatus at a first attachment point. A stabilization tube of the apparatus is disposed within the needle lumen. A proximal end of the stabilization tube is fixed within the handle at a second attachment point that is spaced apart from the first attachment point and an elongated body and a distal end of the stabilization tube are not attached to the outer shaft component. A needle component of the apparatus is configured to be slidably disposed within the stabilization tube and removable therefrom, and the stabilization tube minimizes resistive forces exerted onto the needle component by the outer shaft component.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly for repairing a target tissue defect within a target vessel region configured includes an exclusion structure sized to substantially bypass target tissue defect, and includes a branch assembly. The branch assembly can include a self-expanding outer branch prosthesis having an inflow region configured to deform to a non-circular cross-sectional-shape when deployed, and a support structure at least partially disposed within the inflow region. The support structure preserves blood flow to the branch vessel while the deformed inflow region inhibits blood leakage between and/or around the prosthetic assembly.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly for repairing a target tissue defect within a target vessel region configured includes an exclusion structure sized to substantially bypass target tissue defect, and includes a branch assembly. The branch assembly can include a self-expanding outer branch prosthesis having an inflow region configured to deform to a non-circular cross-sectional-shape when deployed, and a support structure at least partially disposed within the inflow region. The support structure preserves blood flow to the branch vessel while the deformed inflow region inhibits blood leakage between and/or around the prosthetic assembly.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods useable for directing a guidewire from a subintimal position within the wall of an artery into the true lumen of that artery or other applications wherein it is desired to direct a guidewire or other elongate device from one location to another location within a subject's body.

Abstract: A prosthetic assembly for repairing a target tissue defect within a target vessel region configured includes an exclusion structure sized to substantially bypass target tissue defect, and includes a branch assembly. The branch assembly can include a self-expanding outer branch prosthesis having an inflow region configured to deform to a non-circular cross-sectional-shape when deployed, and a support structure at least partially disposed within the inflow region. The support structure preserves blood flow to the branch vessel while the deformed inflow region inhibits blood leakage between and/or around the prosthetic assembly.

Abstract: An occlusion bypassing apparatus for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The apparatus includes an outer shaft component, a needle component, and an inflatable balloon. The outer shaft component has a side port proximal to a distal end thereof and a needle lumen there-through that includes a curved distal portion that terminates at the side port of the outer shaft component. The needle component is configured to be slidably disposed within the needle lumen of the outer shaft component. The inflatable balloon includes a body portion that is disposed distal to the side port of the outer shaft component, and the body portion of the balloon has a flattened profile in an inflated state with first and second chambers that laterally extend from opposing sides of the outer shaft component for stabilizing the apparatus within a subintimal space.

Abstract: An occlusion bypassing apparatus for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel after subintimally bypassing an occlusion in a vessel. The apparatus includes an outer shaft component having a needle lumen there-through. A proximal end of the outer shaft component is fixed within a handle of the apparatus at a first attachment point. A stabilization tube of the apparatus is disposed within the needle lumen. A proximal end of the stabilization tube is fixed within the handle at a second attachment point that is spaced apart from the first attachment point and an elongated body and a distal end of the stabilization tube are not attached to the outer shaft component. A needle component of the apparatus is configured to be slidably disposed within the stabilization tube and removable therefrom, and the stabilization tube minimizes resistive forces exerted onto the needle component by the outer shaft component.