Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided which may be used to dilate hardened regions of stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation wires that may be extended so that the dilation wires are disposed adjacent an outer surface of the balloon during dilation. Thus, as the balloon is expanded, the dilation wires are squeezed between the balloon and the stenosed region to crack or breakup the stenosis. The dilation wires may also be retracted away from the balloon. Thus, the stenosed region may be dilated with the balloon without using the dilation wires if desired.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present invention provide devices for occluding vascular vessels. In some preferred forms, these devices are able to move from a first condition to a less compact, second condition in a vascular vessel so as to fully or partially prevent fluid from passing through the vessel. One such device includes a frame and a flexible sheet material. The device also includes an occluding material that is located in an interior region of the frame. The flexible sheet material and frame are associated with one another such that when the device is in the second condition in the vascular vessel, the sheet material is positioned in the vessel lumen so as to block fluid flow through the lumen.

Abstract: A stent including a stent wire comprising a plurality of filaments twisted into a bundle having a helix, the stent wire bent into a pattern having a plurality of substantially straight wire sections separated by a plurality of bends. The pattern of the stent wire is spirally wound about a central axis in the same direction as the helix formed by the plurality of filaments. Each of the filaments in a bend have a cylindrical cross-section where at least one of the plurality of filaments is displaced and spaced from an immediately adjacent filament in the bend.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure comprising a curvilinear portion having a first strut and a second strut that meet at an apex. Disposed on the support structure is an anchor with an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body and where the anchor body fits at least partially about, and conforms to the first strut, second strut, and the apex.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a retrieval device for entrapping and retaining a foreign object located in a body vessel for its extraction therefrom is provided. The device comprises a cage having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends. The cage is radially expandable about the longitudinal axis to define an expanded state and to form an opening at the distal end for receiving the foreign object. The cage is collapsible to define a collapsed state and to retain the foreign object therein such that the foreign object is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis. Extending proximally from the proximal end of the cage is a cable for retrieval of the device in the collapsed state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making an occlusion device for occluding a body vessel. The apparatus and method include providing a frame and a mandrel. The frame has a hub extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end. A plurality of arcuate legs are attached to the hub and extend distally. The arcuate legs are flexible and have inner surfaces defining an inner profile in an unconstrained state. The mandrel has an outer surface corresponding to the inner profile of the occlusion device. A base layer of a biocompatible material is disposed on the outer surface of the mandrel. The frame is placed on the outer surface with the base layer between the frame and the mandrel. The frame is attached to the base layer such that the biocompatible material forms a membrane extending along and between the arcuate legs.

Abstract: The invention relates to minimally invasive device for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents into a vessel wall. The device includes an introducer tube, a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen extending therebetween, the tubular member being slidably disposed within the introducer tube; a plurality of hollow delivery struts, each delivery strut adapted to pierce through inner most layers of the vessel wall and each comprising at least one exit port and at least one stopper to prevent the delivery strut from piercing through the outer most layers of the vessel wall. The delivery struts are disposed on the distal end of the tubular member and are in fluid communication with the first lumen. The invention also relates to methods of delivering the device of this invention and methods of treating conditions or diseases of body lumens.

Abstract: An occluding device for occlusion within a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an expandable frame having an occluding portion disposed within a closure area of the frame. An anchoring component is attached to the frame to engage the body vessel. A coupling is attached to the frame for repositioning the device.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. The dilation elements may comprise a coil and dilation wire. The coil and wire may be configured in various ways such that inflation of the balloon creates a concentration of forces along the dilating wires which are thereafter transmitted to stenosed regions of a vessel wall. The force exerted by the dilation elements against the stenosed region is sufficient to fracture plaque from the vessel wall.