Abstract: A bifurcated catheter includes a first catheter branch having a first distal portion and a second catheter branch having a second distal portion. The first and second distal portions are releasably linked together for delivery to a bifurcated region of a body vessel. Upon delivery to the bifurcated region, the first and second distal portions are released from each other such that the first and second catheter branches may be tracked into first and second vessel branches, respectively.

Abstract: A side branch stent has a generally cylindrical body portion and a proximal split ring formed of a first semi-circular portion and a second semi-circular portion. The first semi-circular portion has a larger radius than the second semi-circular portion such that in a compressed configuration, the second semi-circular portion nests within the first semi-circular portion. Upon expansion of the side branch stent the two detached semi-circular portions expand to form a ring. The outer diameter of the proximal split ring, in both the compressed and expanded configurations, is larger than the outer diameter of the generally cylindrical body portion. The proximal split ring is used as a stopper or anchor which contacts the ostium of a vessel or the inner surface of a stent deployed in a main vessel of a bifurcated vessel in order to properly position the side branch stent in a side branch vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods that allow the local delivery of stem cells and/or endothelial progenitor cells to a treatment site. More particularly, this disclosure provides cell delivery systems used to induce cell growth and angiogenesis at a treatment site.

Abstract: A stent system for placement in a bifurcated vessel includes a side branch stent. The side branch stent includes an expandable metallic distal section and a proximal section. The distal end of the proximal section is coupled to the distal section. The proximal section is made from a flexible material in the form of a sheet and is not supported by a frame proximally of the distal end. The proximal section includes a curled or tabbed proximal end adapted to engage walls of the main vessel at a junction of the main vessel and the side branch vessel. A second stent is configured for placement in the main vessel and the main vessel branch. Expansion of the second stent pushes the curled or tabbed proximal end of the first stent against the walls of the main vessel at the junction.

Abstract: A stent has a generally cylindrical body portion and is intended for placement in a side branch vessel associated with a bifurcated or trifurcated vessel. The side branch stent includes a proximal split ring formed of two detached semi-circular portions, a first semi-circular portion and a second semi-circular portion. The first semi-circular portion has a larger radius than the second semi-circular portion such that in a compressed or crimped state, the second semi-circular portion nests within the first semi-circular portion to achieve a low delivery profile. Upon expansion of the side branch stent as explained in further detail below, the two detached semi-circular portions expand to form a ring. The outer diameter of the proximal split ring, in both the compressed and expanded configurations, is larger than the outer diameter of the side branch stent's generally cylindrical body portion.

Abstract: A bifurcated catheter includes a first catheter branch having a first distal portion and a second catheter branch having a second distal portion. The first and second distal portions are linked together for delivery to the bifurcated region. Upon delivery to the bifurcated region, the first and second distal portions are released from each other such that the first and second catheter branches may be tracked into first and second vessel branches, respectively. The first and second distal portions can be linked together by inserted the second distal portion into a skive in the first distal portion, adhesive beat bonding the distal portions together, a coil wrapped around the distal portions, or a spiral cut in the first distal portion sized and shaped to received a guidewire.

Abstract: A stent for treating a region of a body lumen wherein at least two vessels form a junction includes a compressed state and an expanded state. In the expanded state, the stent is generally an ellipsoidal, spheroidal, or spherical shape. The stent is delivered to the junction in the compressed state disposed within a sleeve. Once at the junction, the sleeve is withdrawn proximally relative to the stent such that the stent is released from the sleeve and expands to the expanded state. A balloon may further expand the stent to appose the walls of the body lumen at the junction.

Abstract: A bifurcated catheter includes a first catheter branch having a first distal portion and a second catheter branch having a second distal portion. The first and second distal portions are linked together for delivery to the bifurcated region. Upon delivery to the bifurcated region, the first and second distal portions are released from each other such that the first and second catheter branches may be tracked into first and second vessel branches, respectively.

Abstract: A rapid exchange dilation catheter having an elongated tubular shaft section with a guidewire port for entry of a guidewire into said distal section at an exchange joint. A stiffening wire is positioned within the elongated tubular shaft with its distal end anchored approximate the exchange joint and its proximal end freely floating within the proximal section of the catheter.