Abstract: Embolic protection filters, filter membranes, and methods for making and using the same. An example embolic protection filter may include an elongate shaft having a proximal region and a distal region. A filter frame may be to the distal region. A filter membrane may be attached to the filter frame. The filter membrane may have a plurality of apertures formed therein. The filter membrane may include a polymer having a bulk portion and a surface portion. The surface portion may include a surface modification.

Abstract: A system is provided for spray coating medical devices, comprising a rotary atomizer with one or more rotary heads and a plurality of holders to hold a plurality of medical devices, such as stents, wherein the holders are positioned around a longitudinal axis of the rotary head. A method of using such a system is also provided. The invention enables the use of rotary atomizers to coat small medical devices with reduced waste of coating material and allows increased production throughput by the coating of multiple devices simultaneously. The rotary atomizer may be an electrostatic rotary atomizer. The holders and/or a holding structure on which the holders are mounted may move relative to the rotary atomizer.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring the flow of blood through an intravascular device are disclosed. An apparatus for monitoring blood flow in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an intravascular device coupled to an elongated member, a first sensor adapted to measure fluidic pressure proximal the intravascular device, a second sensor adapted to measure fluidic pressure distal the intravascular device, and a control unit for comparing the signals received from the first and second sensors to determine the pressure drop across the intravascular device.

Abstract: A system and method for the electrostatic spray application of a coating material onto a medical device. The coating material is electrically charged and an atomizer is used to atomize the coating material, creating electrically charged droplets which coat the medical device. In alternate embodiments, a swirl atomizer, a pressure atomizer, an ultrasound atomizer, a rotary atomizer, and an effervescent atomizer are used to atomize the coating material.

Abstract: A system is provided for spray coating medical devices, comprising a rotary atomizer with one or more rotary heads and a plurality of holders to hold a plurality of medical devices, such as stents, wherein the holders are positioned around a longitudinal axis of the rotary head. A method of using such a system is also provided. The invention enables the use of rotary atomizers to coat small medical devices with reduced waste of coating material and allows increased production throughput by the coating of multiple devices simultaneously. The rotary atomizer may be an electrostatic rotary atomizer. The holders and/or a holding structure on which the holders are mounted may move relative to the rotary atomizer.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter and method of making the same. An embolic protection filter may include a filter membrane or material having a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the filter membrane may be manufactured by spray coating a filter material onto a forming member or spray mold.

Abstract: Intravascular filters formed by a molding process can have a plurality of integrally formed apertures. A molding process can utilize a mold assembly that includes a mold having a mold surface and a die having a die surface. The mold assembly includes plurality of protrusions that extend from at least one of the mold surface and the die surface. A molten material is placed within a portion of the mold, and the die is then inserted into the mold such that the plurality of protrusions span a distance between the die surface and the mold surface. The molten material is allowed to solidify, thereby forming a filter membrane that includes a plurality of integrally formed apertures.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter and method of making the same. An embolic protection filter may include a filter membrane or material having a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the filter membrane may be manufactured by spray coating a filter material onto a forming member or spray mold.

Abstract: An embolic protection filter device having a filtering membrane, an integrally formed waist, and a flexible hoop affixed to the filtering membrane by melt bonding. A method of making filtering membranes for an embolic protection filter device comprising blow molding the filtering membranes. A method of making an embolic protection filter device comprising blow molding a filtering membrane and simultaneously melt bonding a flexible hoop to the filtering membrane.

Abstract: Devices and methods for monitoring the flow of blood through an intravascular device are disclosed. An apparatus for monitoring blood flow in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an intravascular device coupled to an elongated member, a first sensor adapted to measure fluidic pressure proximal the intravascular device, a second sensor adapted to measure fluidic pressure distal the intravascular device, and a control unit for comparing the signals received from the first and second sensors to determine the pressure drop across the intravascular device.