Abstract: Coils, such as embolic coils, and related methods, devices, and compositions, are disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue ablation device includes an array of elongate electrodes configured to be deployed in tissue, wherein the deployed electrode array defines a tissue ablation region, an inflatable balloon configured to be deployed in tissue, and a coupler securing the balloon relative to the one or more elongate electrodes, wherein the balloon, when inflated, is configured to apply a force to tissue located in the tissue ablation region. An ablation device includes a first array of electrodes, a second array of electrodes, a first inflatable balloon, and a coupler securing the first balloon relative to the first and second electrode arrays. A method of ablating tissue includes positioning an array of elongate electrodes and an inflatable balloon proximate tissue to be ablated, inflating the balloon to compress a tissue region located between the balloon and the electrode array, and energizing the electrode array to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as catheters, ports, and stents, are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a target tissue region (e.g., malignant tissue) is provided. A hyperthermic probe is placed into contact with the target tissue region, and the target tissue region is exposed to a therapeutic x-ray radiation beam. The probe is operated to increase the temperature of the target tissue region, thereby facilitating a therapeutic effect of the radiation beam. Image data of the probe containing a fiducial datum is acquired while in contact with the target tissue region, a position of the target tissue region within a treatment coordinate system is determined based on the fiducial datum, and the radiation beam is spatially adjusted relative to the target tissue region based on the determined position of the target tissue region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical prosthesis having a low profile for delivery into a body lumen. The stent includes a plurality of geometric cells defining the stent, which has first and second opposed open ends; and a plurality of wire strands woven to form a plurality of crossed regions defining the geometric cells. Each wire strand has strand ends and the strand ends are disposed at the second end of the stent.

Abstract: A percutaneous port comprises a port body defining a cavity and a first catheter channel adapted to allow passage of a catheter thereinto a shuttle removably received within the cavity, the shuttle including a first flow conduit which, when the shuttle is received within the cavity, extends to the first catheter channel and a sealing mechanism sealing the first flow conduit when a fluid pressure applied thereto is less than a threshold value and opening to permit flow therethrough when the fluid pressure applied thereto is at least the threshold value a cover releasably attachable to the port body to enclose the cavity.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, comprising a body including a lumen extending therethrough at least one activatable element disposed within the body, a dimension of each of the at least one activatable elements changing in response to a predetermined stimulation between an activated state and an inactivate state to change a shape of the body to control a degree of opening of the lumen and at least one actuation element, each of the at least one actuation elements being configured to selectively supply the predetermined stimulation to a corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements to move the corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements between the activated and inactive states.

Abstract: A tissue ablation assembly comprises an elongate probe device, at least one ablation electrode element carried by the probe device for conveying ablation energy, and at least one magnetic element for substantially altering the path of the ablation energy conveyed by the electrode element(s). In one embodiment, the magnetic element substantially urges the ablation energy radially outward. In another embodiment, magnetic element takes the form of a ring magnet that exhibits at least four alternating magnetic poles circumferentially disposed around the probe device axis. A method of treating tissue (e.g., a tumor) is also provided. The method comprises introducing a probe device into the patient, conveying ablation energy from the probe device, and applying a magnetic field adjacent the probe device to substantially alter the path of the ablation energy, e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an elongate body including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion and configured to be at least partially inserted into a body cavity. The elongate body defines a first passageway and a second passageway. The first passageway is configured to communicate fluid from the distal end portion in a first direction, and the second passageway is configured to communicate material from outside of the elongate body into the distal end portion in a second direction opposite the first direction and includes at least one port. An actuator is coupled to the elongate body and is configured to guide the distal end of the elongate body to an area of interest identifiable by a virtual colonoscopy.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for removing an obstruction from a body lumen simultaneously mechanically dislodges the obstruction, macerates the obstruction, and aspirates the effluent caused thereby. The maceration is effected by directing pressurized fluid to the obstruction, while the obstruction is dislodged by a tip portion formed on the end of a guidewire. The apparatus includes a flexible catheter having at least two channels individually accommodating fluid flow paths towards and away from the obstruction. The guidewire may be disposed in either of the channels or a third channel formed in the flexible catheter. The apparatus also includes a drive unit for rotating the guidewire. The drive unit may be an external drive unit, such as an electrical motor, or may include drive elements formed on the guidewire within a drive chamber, across which the fluid flows and imparts energy against the drive elements to cause rotation of the guidewire.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for delivering a medical prosthesis into a body lumen. A preferred embodiment of the invention utilizes a catheter having a stent mounted at the distal end that is released into the body lumen by movement of an outer sheath covering the stent in the proximal direction. The stent expands to conform to the inner wall of the lumen and the catheter is withdrawn.

Abstract: Methods, probe assemblies and systems are provided for treating tissue a margins surrounding interstitial spaces created via the removal of tumors. The interstitial space may be in any tissue, e.g., breast tissue, and the interstitial space may be created by removing abnormal tissue. A hydrophilic electrode is compressed and introduced (e.g., percutaneously) into the interstitial cavity. An electrically conductive liquid (e.g., saline) is applied to the electrode, such that the electrode absorbs the electrically conductive liquid. The electrode is expanded into contact with the tissue margin, and electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency (RF) energy) is conveyed to the electrode, thereby ablating the tissue margin.

Abstract: A method of treating a tissue region includes inserting a flexible sheath within a vessel, the vessel leading to a tissue region, placing a distal end of the sheath through a wall of the vessel to thereby position the distal end is at or adjacent the tissue region, deploying a plurality of electrodes from the distal end of the sheath such that tips of the deployed electrodes approximately face towards a proximal end, and delivering energy to the tissue region using the deployed electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for power detection in a multi-mode communication device configured for operation in different modes or frequency bands. A detector monitors the power level of an amplified outgoing signal. The detector may be configured with a switch and two or more samplers. Responsive to the mode of operation, the detector adopts an optimal configuration to generate a power level feedback signal, which is provided to a digital signal processor or controller. Comparison of the power level feedback signal to a target value may occur to generate an amplifier control signal. The amplifier control signal controls the gain, applied by an amplifier, to the outgoing signal. During operation, the system monitors for a change in the mode of operation and upon responsive to a change, generates a switch control signal to reconfigure the detector configuration to match the new mode of operation.

Abstract: Polymer insulators and methods of using polymer insulators are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes separating a first portion of a subject's tissue from a second portion of the subject's tissue so that there is a space between the first and second portions of tissue. Deionized water, a buffered saline solution, liquid polymers, gels, particles, foams, and/or gases are disposed between the first and second portions of tissue, and the first portion of tissue is exposed to energy to treat the first portion of tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an elongated delivery member and a scaffold. The elongated delivery member has a distal end, a fixed portion and an actuator portion. The actuator portion is disposed proximate to the distal end. The actuator portion and the fixed portion are movable with respect to each other. The scaffold is mounted to the elongated delivery member proximate to the distal end. The scaffold has a first end coupled to the fixed portion. The scaffold has a second end coupled to the actuator portion. The scaffold is changeable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration by movement of at least the actuator portion and the fixed portion relative to each other.

Abstract: A tissue ablation system comprises an ablation source, such as an RF ablation source, configured for generating a common power signal, and a power multiplexor configured for splitting the power signal into first and second power signals, substantially attenuating the second power signal relative to the first power signal to create nominal and attenuated power signals, and sequentially delivering the nominal power signal to each tissue ablation probe, while delivering the attenuated power signal to the remaining ablation probes to which the nominal power signal is currently not delivered.

Abstract: Particles and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making particles can include forming a stream of a mixture including first and second materials, exposing the stream to a vibration, and treating the stream to form particles. The vibration can have, for example, a sinusoidal, triangular, and/or sawtooth waveform.

Abstract: A valve assembly for vascular access, comprising a body defining a lumen adapted for flowing blood, the body including a luer housing for connection with a first blood conduit and a barb housing for connection with a second blood conduit and a plurality of slitted membranes disposed within the body portion, each of the slitted membranes generating a partial pressure drop for flow therethrough, each of the partial pressure drops being smaller than a total pressure drop for flow through the body portion.

Abstract: A tubular endoprosthesis including a polymeric material is disclosed. The endoprosthesis has a collapsed position that can be reverted to a first expanded position larger than the collapsed position by heating to a first temperature subsequent to insertion of the endoprosthesis into a cavity or lumen in a mammal. The endoprosthesis can be further expanded to a second expanded position within the cavity or lumen.