Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a balloon catheter, a medical balloon at the distal end of the catheter. On the outside of the balloon catheter and medical balloon is a roll-sock sheath. The sheath is in formed of two layers able to slide over one other extending towards the proximal end of the assembly. The roll-sock sheath extends to a distal fold line which, before employment, extends over at least a portion of dilator tip and covers completely the medical balloon. The roll-sock sheath can be pulled back by withdrawing the outer layer of the roll-sock sheath, gradually to expose the medical balloon. A hydrophilic coating is provided on the outer surface of the outer layer of the roll-sock sleeve, which promotes the pushability of the balloon catheter assembly through a lesion. The coating makes it easier to push the distal end of the catheter assembly through a lesion, reduces friction between the lesion and the distal end of the balloon catheter assembly.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a filter apparatus and method of filtering in a body vessel. The filter apparatus comprises a filter unit and an expandable introducer designed to deliver the filter unit to the target filtering site. The filter unit attaches to the expandable introducer via a plurality of anchors on the filter unit. The expandable introducer delivers and presses the anchors to the vessel wall during implantation. After implantation, the filter unit exerts minimal or about zero radial force against the vessel wall.

Abstract: A filter device for trapping embolic debris comprises a bag which is deployed by everting it from an end of a delivery catheter. After release from the catheter, with the assistance of a pusher member, the open end of the bag self-expands against the walls of a body lumen. In one method of removal after use, the device is withdrawn into catheter by pulling on a wire attached to the closed end of the bag.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a filter apparatus and method of filtering in a body vessel. The filter apparatus comprises a filter unit and an expandable introducer designed to deliver the filter unit to the target filtering site. The filter unit attaches to the expandable introducer via a plurality of anchors on the filter unit. The expandable introducer delivers and presses the anchors to the vessel wall during implantation. After implantation, the filter unit exerts minimal or about zero radial force against the vessel wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material by thermal hydrolysis, in particular with a view to producing bioethenol, wherein the material is first admixed with water and is then passed to a reactor, in which the soaked material is subjected to a high temperature and a high pressure to such an extent that is it accessible for a subsequent treatment with enzymes, following which the treated material is separated into liquid part and a solid part, where the solid component is subsequently used for the production of bioethenol and enzymation and fermentation. Exclusively steam is used in the method and the corresponding system for heating, stirring and transport, as e.g. the transport through the various elements of the system is provided by a pressure difference between the compartments of the elements. The material (32) is discharged to an economizer (4), in which a separator (5) separates the material into a solid part and a liquid part.

Abstract: A filter device for trapping embolic debris comprises a bag which is deployed by everting it from an end of a delivery catheter. After release from the catheter, with the assistance of a pusher member, the open end of the bag self-expands against the walls of a body lumen. In one method of removal after use, the device is withdrawn into catheter by pulling on a wire attached to the closed end of the bag.

Abstract: A deployment handle (112) for an implant deployment device (10) facilitates withdrawal of a sheath (18). The deployment handle (112) includes two separate actuators: a trigger (130) and a sliding actuator (330). The trigger (130) can be used to effect small step-wise movement of a carriage (120) that is connected to a sheath (18) to be withdrawn. The sliding actuator (330) can be used to effect continuous movement of a carriage (120) to withdraw a sheath (18). In order to transmit movement of either the trigger (130) or the sliding actuator (330) to the carriage (120), a flexible rack (380) is used. The flexible rack (380) includes upper teeth (390) and lower teeth (395) for engagement with the trigger (130) and the sliding actuator (330) respectively. The ability of the flexible rack (380) to bend back on itself means that unnecessary elongation of the deployment handle (112) is avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic material by thermal hydrolysis, in particular with a view to producing bioethenol, wherein the material is first admixed with water and is then passed to a reactor, in which the soaked material is subjected to a high temperature and a high pressure to such an extent that is it accessible for a subsequent treatment with enzymes, following which the treated material is separated into liquid part and a solid part, where the solid component is subsequently used for the production of bioethenol and enzymation and fermentation. Exclusively steam is used in the method and the corresponding system for heating, stirring and transport, as e.g. the transport through the various elements of the system is provided by a pressure difference between the compartments of the elements. The material (32) is discharged to an economizer (4), in which a separator (5) separates the material into a solid part and a liquid part.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medical device to a target site within the body of a patient includes an introducer sheath, and a delivery assembly receivable within a passageway of the sheath. The delivery assembly comprises an inner tubular and an outer tubular member. At least a distal portion of the inner tubular member has a diameter such that the medical device is receivable thereover. The outer tubular member is generally coaxial with the inner tubular member, and has a length such that the outer tubular member distal end terminates proximal to the inner tubular member distal portion. The outer tubular member has a first outer diameter at the proximal end and extends for a length of the outer tubular member to a first diameter boundary point. The outer tubular member has a gradual inward taper in the distal direction from the boundary point to a second outer diameter, and has an abrupt outward taper in the distal direction from the second diameter to the first diameter.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medical device to a target site within the body of a patient includes an introducer sheath, and a delivery assembly receivable within a passageway of the sheath. The delivery assembly comprises an inner tubular and an outer tubular member. At least a distal portion of the inner tubular member has a diameter such that the medical device is receivable thereover. The outer tubular member is generally coaxial with the inner tubular member, and has a length such that the outer tubular member distal end terminates proximal to the inner tubular member distal portion. The outer tubular member has a first outer diameter at the proximal end and extends for a length of the outer tubular member to a first diameter boundary point. The outer tubular member has a gradual inward taper in the distal direction from the boundary point to a second outer diameter, and has an abrupt outward taper in the distal direction from the second diameter to the first diameter.

Abstract: A deployment handle (112) for an implant deployment device (10) facilitates withdrawal of a sheath (18). The deployment handle (112) includes two separate actuators: a trigger (130) and a sliding actuator (330). The trigger (130) can be used to effect small step-wise movement of a carriage (120) that is connected to a sheath (18) to be withdrawn. The sliding actuator (330) can be used to effect continuous movement of a carriage (120) to withdraw a sheath (18). In order to transmit movement of either the trigger (130) or the sliding actuator (330) to the carriage (120), a flexible rack (380) is used. The flexible rack (380) includes upper teeth (390) and lower teeth (395) for engagement with the trigger (130) and the sliding actuator (330) respectively. The ability of the flexible rack (380) to bend back on itself means that unnecessary elongation of the deployment handle (112) is avoided.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medical device to a target site within the body of a patient includes an introducer sheath, and a delivery assembly receivable within a passageway of the sheath. The delivery assembly comprises an inner tubular and an outer tubular member. At least a distal portion of the inner tubular member has a diameter such that the medical device is receivable thereover. The outer tubular member is generally coaxial with the inner tubular member, and has a length such that the outer tubular member distal end terminates proximal to the inner tubular member distal portion. The outer tubular member has a first outer diameter at the proximal end and extends for a length of the outer tubular member to a first diameter boundary point. The outer tubular member has a gradual inward taper in the distal direction from the boundary point to a second outer diameter, and has an abrupt outward taper in the distal direction from the second diameter to the first diameter.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for sustaining a vessel or hollow organ lumen (a stent) has a tubular wire frame (1) with rows of elongate cells (2) having a larger axis and a smaller axis. The cells are arranged with the larger axis in the circumferential direction of the frame (2) and the smaller axis parallel to the axial direction thereof. Each cell is formed by two U-shaped wire sections, and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis one of the branches of the U-shaped wire sections in one row form together a closed ring shape (4) which provides the frame (1) with large radial stiffness. In the axial direction the frame (1) has only low stiffness so that it easily conforms to the vascular wall even if this deforms due to external loads. The interconnection between the cells (2) may be flexible.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for sustaining a vessel or hollow organ lumen (a stent) having a tubular wire frame (1) with rows of elongate cells (2) each having a larger axis and a smaller axis. The cells are arranged with the larger axis in the circumferential direction of the frame (2) and the smaller axis parallel to the axial direction thereof. Each cell is formed by two U-shaped wire sections, and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis one of the branches of the U-shaped wire sections in one row form together a closed ring shape (4) which provides the frame (1) with large radial stiffness. In the axial direction the frame (1) has only low stiffness so that it easily conforms to the vascular wall even if this deforms due to external loads. The interconnection between the cells (2) may be flexible.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for sustaining a vessel or hollow organ lumen (a stent) has a tubular wire frame (1) with rows of elongate cells (2) having a larger axis and a smaller axis. The cells are arranged with the larger axis in the circumferential direction of the frame (2) and the smaller axis parallel to the axial direction thereof. Each cell is formed by two U-shaped wire sections, and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis one of the branches of the U-shaped wire sections in one row form together a closed ring shape (4) which provides the frame (1) with large radial stiffness. In the axial direction the frame (1) has only low stiffness so that it easily conforms to the vascular wall even if this deforms due to external loads. The interconnection between the cells (2) may be flexible.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for sustaining a vessel or hollow organ lumen (a stent) have a tubular wire frame (1) with rows of elongate cells (2) each having a larger axis and a smaller axis. The cells are arranged with the larger axis in the circumferential direction of the frame (2) and the smaller axis parallel to the axial direction thereof. Each cell is formed by two U-shaped wire sections, and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis one of the branches of the U-shaped wire sections in one row form together a closed ring shape (4) which provides the frame (1) with large radial stiffness. In the axial direction the frame (1) has only low stiffness so that it easily conforms to the vascular wall even if this deforms due to external loads. The interconnection between the cells (2) may be flexible.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for sustaining a vessel or hollow organ lumen (a stent) has a tubular wire frame (1) with rows of elongate cells (2) having a larger axis and a smaller axis. The cells are arranged with the larger axis in the circumferential direction of the frame (2) and the smaller axis parallel to the axial direction thereof. Each cell is formed by two U-shaped wire sections, and in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis one of the branches of the U-shaped wire sections in one row form together a closed ring shape (4) which provides the frame (1) with large radial stiffness. In the axial direction the frame (1) has only low stiffness so that it easily conforms to the vascular wall even if this deforms due to external loads. The interconnection between the cells (2) may be flexible.