Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: Distal tips for use with delivery catheters are disclosed that are configured to maintain complete engagement between the distal tip and a distal opening of a sheath component of the delivery catheter so as to prevent separation therebetween and/or to prevent fish-mouthing of a distal leading edge of the sheath component during in vivo use. Distal tips so configured realize one or more of the objectives of safer tracking of the delivery catheter through the vasculature, safe crossing of the delivery catheter through structural components of the vasculature and heart, such as through native valves, and safe removal of the delivery catheter post deployment.

Abstract: A system and method for closing a percutaneous vessel puncture at the conclusion of a vascular catheterization procedure includes placement of an intravascular closure device having a radially and axially expandable tubular membrane and a radially expandable anchor at the distal end of the membrane. The closure device is placed, by a delivery catheter extending through the puncture site, with its anchor radially expanded in a location upstream of the puncture site to enable the force of a patient's blood flow to deploy the tubular membrane to a proximally extended configuration closing the puncture from within the vessel.

Abstract: A rapid exchange-type catheter for aspiration of embolic debris from a blood vessel includes an elongate aspiration tube and a relatively short guidewire tube mounted beside a distalmost portion of the aspiration tube. A proximal portion of the guidewire tube defines a strain relief segment. In one embodiment, the strain relief segment is formed detached from the aspiration tube. In another embodiment, the strain relief segment is minimally attached to the aspiration tube and becomes detached from the aspiration tube when a sufficient transverse force is applied to urge the guidewire tube away from the aspiration tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a patch over a puncture wound in a blood vessel exteriorly of the vessel includes a device for delivering the patch in a folded form and then expanding the patch from its unfolded configuration while deploying the patch about the region of the vessel puncture.

Abstract: An aspiration catheter includes an elastically deformable distal tip transformable between an orthogonal configuration and an oblique configuration to selectively and controllably appose the tip with thrombus or other matter to be aspirated. A core wire is slidably disposed in a core wire lumen within the catheter and is operably connected to the catheter distal tip. The core wire is controlled from the catheter proximal end to transform the distal tip between orthogonal and oblique configurations.

Abstract: A low profile, two lumen dilator is provided for an arteriotomy closure system. The dilator includes a first lumen adapted to receive a guidewire and a second lumen having a proximal segment that defines a blood marking lumen and a distal segment that receives the distal ends of stabilizers in a common pocket. The blood marking lumen and pocket are arranged in tandem. The guidewire lumen may extend the full length of the dilator or may be shortened to provide rapid exchange capability.

Abstract: An aspiration catheter includes an elastically deformable distal tip transformable between an orthogonal configuration and an oblique configuration to selectively and controllably appose the tip with thrombus or other matter to be aspirated. A core wire is slidably disposed in a core wire lumen within the catheter and is operably connected to the catheter distal tip. The core wire is controlled from the catheter proximal end to transform the distal tip between orthogonal and oblique configurations.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a patch over a puncture wound in a blood vessel exteriorly of the vessel includes a device for delivering the patch in a folded form and then expanding the patch from its unfolded configuration while deploying the patch about the region of the vessel puncture.

Abstract: A rapid exchange-type catheter for aspiration of embolic debris from a blood vessel includes an elongate aspiration tube and a relatively short guidewire tube mounted beside a distalmost portion of the aspiration tube. A proximal portion of the guidewire tube defines a strain relief segment. In one embodiment, the strain relief segment is formed detached from the aspiration tube. In another embodiment, the strain relief segment is minimally attached to the aspiration tube and becomes detached from the aspiration tube when a sufficient transverse force is applied to urge the guidewire tube away from the aspiration tube.

Abstract: Devices and methods for closing an arteriotomy include a percutaneously placeable central tube deployable about the arteriotomy by which an array of radially expandable fingers having suction ports can be engaged with the surface of tissue about the arteriotomy enabling the fingers to grip the tissue without piercing it. A delivery tube can advance a closure element along the outside surface of the central tube, thereby radially contracting the fingers and puckering the gripped tissue to approximate the edges of the arteriotomy. The closure element is further advanced until it is forced off of the distal tips of the fingers such that the closure element surrounds the puckered tissue and secures permanent closure of the arteriotomy.

Abstract: Devices and methods for closing an arteriotomy by gripping surfaces of tissue disposed about the arteriotomy, without piercing the tissue, and drawing the gripped tissue together to approximate the edges of the arteriotomy, and, while holding the tissue, applying a more permanent closure to the tissue.

Abstract: An arteriotomy closure system includes a double barrel sheath having parallel dedicated lumens that merge at a distal juncture into a single common lumen. One of the dedicated lumens receives a dilator and the other a stapler. One of the dilator or stapler can be advanced from its dedicated lumen distally through the common lumen and beyond the distal end of the sheath while the other of the dilator or stapler is retracted into its dedicated lumen.

Abstract: A low profile, two lumen dilator is provided for an arteriotomy closure system. The dilator includes a first lumen adapted to receive a guidewire and a second lumen having a proximal segment that defines a blood marking lumen and a distal segment that receives the distal ends of stabilizers in a common pocket. The blood marking lumen and pocket are arranged in tandem. The guidewire lumen may extend the full length of the dilator or may be shortened to provide rapid exchange capability.

Abstract: A stapling arrangement and method for closing a percutaneously formed arteriotomy includes a plurality of staple prongs commonly connected at their proximal ends and having distal ends adapted to engage tissue on opposite sides of the arteriotomy. The prongs have an arrangement of stops configured to present different degrees of resistance to advancement through tissue.

Abstract: A flexible elongate device having a distally mounted occluder for collecting particulate debris in a body lumen. The occluder containing a fixed amount of fluid is reversibly expandable by push-pull actuation from a contracted configuration to a deployed configuration wherein the occluder is expanded into sealing engagement with the wall of the body lumen. The occluder has a distal end axially secured to an elongate inner member and a proximal end attached to a distal end of an outer tubular member. The occluder has an impermeable occluder casing for containing the occluder fluid. The elongate inner member is slidable within the outer tubular member such that relative longitudinal movement between the elongate inner member and outer tubular member changes the length of the occluder and thus redistributes the occluder fluid within the occluder casing to transform the occluder between its contracted and deployed configurations.