Abstract: An apparatus for collecting blood clots, plaque, and other debris in arteries or veins, said apparatus comprising: a filter assembly having a chamber with a paddle assembly and a porous floor disposed therein; and tubes for coupling said filter assembly to an artery and to a vein.

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: A catheter apparatus captures thromboembolic material in the arterial and venous circulation. The apparatus includes an inner hollow tube and an outer hollow tube in sliding engagement with the inner hollow tube. A radially expandable segment, such as an inflatable balloon, is attached near the distal end of the catheter. One end portion of the balloon is attached to the inner tube and the other end portion is attached to the outer tube. When the catheter is advanced through a vessel to be treated, the balloon is deflated and the outer tube is slidably advanced to a storage position so that the balloon compactly surrounds the catheter. When the catheter is in place within the vessel, the outer tube is slidably advanced to a treatment position and the balloon is inflated. As the vessel is treated, the inflated balloon captures and contains thromboembolic particles that may be released, and the particles are suctioned out of the patient through apertures located in the outer hollow tube proximal to the balloon.

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: 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: A thromboembolic capturing system captures thromboemboli in the arterial and venous circulation. A vascular tube such as a guidewire includes a porous filter at is distal end. The filter is collapsible, capable of maintaining open and closed configurations when placed within a vessel. Opening and closing of the filter is controlled by strings or sutures running through the tube. The filter is able to retain captured thromboembolic material in conjunction with angioplasty or interventional cardiovascular procedure. When the tube comprises a guidewire, it is of sufficient strength, torquability and softness to be used for angioplasty, stent placement and other interventional procedures.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus captures thromboembolic material in the arterial and venous circulation. The apparatus includes an inner hollow tube and an outer hollow tube in sliding engagement with the inner hollow tube. A radially expandable segment, such as an inflatable balloon, is attached near the distal end of the catheter. One end portion of the balloon is attached to the inner tube and the other end portion is attached to the outer tube. When the catheter is advanced through a vessel to be treated, the balloon is deflated and the outer tube is slidably advanced to a storage position so that the balloon compactly surrounds the catheter. When the catheter is in place within the vessel, the outer tube is slidably advanced to a treatment position and the balloon is inflated. As the vessel is treated, the inflated balloon captures and contains thromboembolic particles that may be released, and the particles are suctioned out of the patient through apertures located in the outer hollow tube proximal to the balloon.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting blood clots, plaque, and other debris in arteries or veins, said apparatus comprising: a filter assembly having a chamber with a paddle assembly and a porous floor disposed therein; and tubes for coupling said filter assembly to an artery and to a vein.