Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of forming in situ tissue adherent barriers are provided using a sprayer capable of applying two or more viscous crosslinkable solutions to tissue. The sprayer comprises separate spray nozzles for each of two or more crosslinkable solutions, wherein each nozzle is either surrounded by an annular gas flow outlet or in communication with a gas-pressurized chamber, and also may include valves that prevent backflow through the supply lines carrying the crosslinkable solutions, and a venting system for venting excess pressure for laparoscopic applications In the presence of gas flow, the crosslinkable solutions are atomized and mixed to form a spray. Multi-component hydrogel systems suitable for use with the inventive methods and apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

Abstract: Devices for providing polymeric layers on the interior surface of body lumens and spaces are disclosed. The devices can include proximal and distal occlusion elements to define the treatment space and an optical emitter to provide light for a photopolymerization procedure. The devices may include a molding member for providing a thick polymeric gel. Alternatively, devices without a molding member may be used to carry out an interfacial polymerization procedure.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter having a catheter shaft with an oblong transverse cross-section with one transverse dimension in a first direction being significantly larger than a second transverse dimension in a direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first dimension is about 1.1 to about 3 times greater, preferably about 1.2 to about 2.5 times greater than the second dimension. In one embodiment, a length of the distal shaft section has inner and outer tubular members where about 30% to not more than about 90% of the inner periphery of the outer tubular member takes the shape of and is secured to the exterior of the inner tubular member. In another embodiment the flexible distal shaft section is an extruded section having an oval or elliptical transverse cross-section. Preferably a pseudoelastic hypotube of NiTi alloy defines at least part of the inflation lumen within the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.

Abstract: The metal reinforced polymer stent for use in blood vessels is formed of a thin planar sheet of metal, and is laminated on at least one side with a thin film of a polymer capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs. The thin planar sheet of metal is formed as a sheet and cut in a shape that can be used as a stent, the ends of which can be joined in a contractible, expandable loop.

Abstract: The metal reinforced polymer stent for use in blood vessels is formed of a thin planar sheet of metal, and is laminated on at least one side with a thin film of a polymer capable of absorbing and releasing therapeutic drugs. The thin planar sheet of metal is formed as a sheet and cut in a shape that can be used as a stent, the ends of which can be joined in a contractible, expandable loop.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electrode device is disclosed. The device is useful as a neuron interface or as a cortical implant. A plurality of spire-shaped electrodes, formed of semiconductor material, are associated with a rigid base. The electrodes are electrically isolated from each other at the base. Multiplexing circuitry allows the electrodes to be addressed individually.

Abstract: A cochlear electrode device having the properties of axial stiffness and lateral flexibility and comprising a plurality of substantially incompressible, flat elements, with the elements being assembled adjacent and in contact with one another along a common axis to form a stack and with the elements being resiliently atached together so that the stack of elements is stiff in compression along the common axis and is flexible in tension when the elements are forced to deviate from the common axis by the application of an external force. A plurality of electrodes and connecting wires are supported by the stack at spaced apart locations along its length.