Abstract: An ablation system includes an electrical ablation element of elongate form with an electrically conductive element including a resistive part. A control unit includes a processing unit, a power unit and, optionally, a temperature sensor. The control unit in one embodiment carries out ablation in at least two phases, the first phase at a higher energy level and a second phase, after at least partial retraction of the resistive part, at a second lower phase in order to close any remaining lumen within a blood flow obstruction formed within the vessel during the first phase. Other embodiments provide for sensing retraction of the resistive part and effecting ablation during and/or after the retraction process in order to create a more effective occlusion barrier.

Abstract: Method of forming a multiple balloon catheter includes extruding a tube and a plurality of ribs through a die to form a monolithic element that spans between first and second ends with the plurality of ribs extending along the length of the tube to define a corresponding number of a plurality of channels that extend along the length of the tube. Positioning a portion of the tube into a mold and constricting a proximal end portion and a distal end portion of the tube that is positioned in the mold. Inflating the tube to produce an inner balloon having a body portion that spans between proximal and distal end portions and cutting the inner balloon to separate the inner balloon from a remainder of the tube. Disposing an outer balloon including a plurality of holes around the inner balloon and aligning the plurality of holes with the plurality of channels.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a delivery apparatus or mechanism and method of use for delivering a medical device to the body of a patient. The apparatus may have an outer catheter independently mobile from an inner sheath and an elongate member. The apparatus further has a gripper attached to the elongate member. The gripper may be manipulated by way of a handle to control the state of the medical device relative to the delivery apparatus. Through use of the handle, the apparatus may be moved from a connected state to a released state to deliver the medical device to a target site in the patient's body.

Abstract: A delivery system for an occlusion balloon includes a delivery catheter and a balloon releasably detached thereto. The balloon can include a base portion that is threaded onto the end of the delivery catheter. The balloon can include a one-way valve or septum in the base portion, through which a filling needle is inserted into a cavity of the balloon. The balloon can be filled with a fluid to expand the balloon and fix the balloon within the patient's body. The balloon can be filled with a hardening material to assist in fixing the balloon in place and occluding the blood vessel. The balloon can include anchoring structure on its outer surface to assist in the fixing the location of the balloon. The delivery device and needle can be detached and withdrawn from the balloon, allowing the septum to close and seal the balloon, leaving the balloon fixed within the body vessel.

Abstract: RF ablation system includes a catheter having a lumen therein and a first electrode. Second electrode is disposed around the catheter proximate the distal end of the catheter and spaced from the first electrode by an insulating spacer which may be a part of the catheter or a sleeve on the first electrode. The first electrode is able to slide in and out of the catheter to vary the exposed length of the first electrode and as a result to alter the energy density at the first electrode in order to exhibit different heating effects. Control unit controls current through the electrodes and also the exposed length of the first electrode. The second electrode has a surface area at least twice that of the first electrode. Consequently, negligible heat is generated at the second electrode and therefore no blood clotting or other ablation material is formed over the catheter.

Abstract: RF ablation apparatus includes an anode electrode assembly including an anode terminal housed within a catheter. The catheter includes a distal end wall which is disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the catheter. The anode electrode is slidably received within the cathode and can be extended out beyond the distal end of the catheter to provide at least a first terminal for an ablation circuit. The distal end wall is sized and shaped to hold a thrombus formed on the anode electrode so that the anode electrode can be withdrawn from within the thrombus formation and into the catheter, without the thrombus formation being pulled with the anode terminal. The outer surface of the catheter, or at least at the distal end thereof, is made of an insulating or non-conducting material, such that a thrombus does not form over the catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided for dilating hardened stenoses. The balloon catheter has dilation elements integrally formed on the outer surface of the balloon. The dilation elements have cross-sectional shapes that improve the performance of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided for dilating hardened stenoses. The balloon catheter has dilation elements integrally formed on the outer surface of the balloon. The dilation elements have cross-sectional shapes that improve the performance of the balloon catheter.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon (40) is provided with a plurality of scoring elements (44) extending along the balloon (40). Within the scoring element (44) there are provided channels or lumens (36) extending therethrough. The channels or lumens (36) provide for Rayleigh scattering of ultrasonic waves directed to the balloon (40), thereby being visible by imaging devices. The channels or lumens (36) provide visibility of the balloon (40) during medical procedures, both when the balloon (40) is in a deflated, wrapped, condition and also when the balloon (40) is inflated. It is not necessary to use contrast media to fill the balloon (40).

Abstract: An RF ablation system includes an electrode element of elongate form and a cathode pad. A control unit includes a processing unit, a power unit and, optionally, a temperature sensor and/or an impedance sensor. The control unit in one embodiment carries out RF ablation in at least two phases, the first phase at a higher energy level and a second phase, after at least partial retraction of the anode element, at a second lower phase in order to close any remaining lumen within a blood clot formed within the vessel during the first phase. Other embodiments provide for sensing retraction of the anode terminal and effecting RF ablation during and/or after the retraction process in order to create a more effective occlusion barrier.

Abstract: A cutting or scoring balloon (26) is provided with a plurality of cutting or scoring elements (34) and is wrapped onto a balloon catheter (12) such that the cutting or scoring elements (34) overlie the balloon wall (36) with the balloon wall (36) pleated underneath the cutting or scoring elements (34). The cutting or scoring elements (34) remain exposed when the balloon (26) is pleated and wrapped onto the balloon catheter (12) and in a tightly wrapped configuration.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes a frame to which there is fitted a plurality of anchor elements, spaced radially around the frame. The closure device includes a radial compression feature, which may be a memorised shape of the frame or non-sprung condition of the frame, having a small radius. The closure device is deployed in a vessel such that the anchor elements are embedded into the vessel wall. The radial compression feature causes the frame to compress radially, as a result of which the anchor elements will pull the vessel wall inwardly, thereby closing the vessel.

Abstract: A delivery system for an occlusion balloon includes a delivery catheter and a balloon releasably detached thereto. The balloon can include a base portion that is threaded onto the end of the delivery catheter. The balloon can include a one-way valve or septum in the base portion, through which a filling needle is inserted into a cavity of the balloon. The balloon can be filled with a fluid to expand the balloon and fix the balloon within the patient's body. The balloon can be filled with a hardening material to assist in fixing the balloon in place and occluding the blood vessel. The balloon can include anchoring structure on its outer surface to assist in the fixing the location of the balloon. The delivery device and needle can be detached and withdrawn from the balloon, allowing the septum to close and seal the balloon, leaving the balloon fixed within the body vessel.

Abstract: A scoring balloon (26) is provided with a plurality of scoring elements (34) and is wrapped onto a balloon catheter (12) such that the scoring elements (34) lie underneath the balloon wall (36) with the balloon wall (36) folded over the scoring elements (34). The scoring elements (34) are rounded at their extremities. The balloon (26) is folded onto the balloon catheter (12) in a tightly wrapped configuration.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty balloon assembly includes a balloon (50) provided with end shoulders (64, 66) preferably integral with end cones (54, 56) of the balloon (50). The end shoulders (64, 66) provide a substantially perpendicular stop shoulder (68) at either end of the cylindrical portion (52) of the balloon (50). The restraining shoulders (64, 66) act to hold the balloon (50) within a valve (16) of a heart (10), for instance. This prevents unwanted slippage of the balloon (50) during a valvuloplasty procedure and thus prevents possible damage caused as a result of such slippage.

Abstract: A cutting or scoring balloon (26) is provided with a plurality of cutting or scoring elements (34) and is wrapped onto a balloon catheter (12) such that the cutting or scoring elements (34) overlie the balloon wall (36) with the balloon wall (36) pleated underneath the cutting or scoring elements (34). The cutting or scoring elements (34) remain exposed when the balloon (26) is pleated and wrapped onto the balloon catheter (12) and in a tightly wrapped configuration.

Abstract: A scoring balloon (10) includes a balloon portion (12) having a balloon wall substantially even in wall thickness; a plurality of sets of scoring elements (24-28) disposed on the balloon (12); each set of scoring elements including a plurality of scoring elements (30) arranged longitudinally in series, wherein adjacent scoring elements (30) in the series are longitudinally spaced from one another so as to provide gaps (32) between said adjacent scoring elements; each set of scoring elements being radially spaced relative to the other sets of scoring elements around the balloon (12), wherein the scoring elements of one set are longitudinally offset relative to the scoring elements of an or each adjacent set of scoring elements.

Abstract: A balloon catheter assembly (10) includes a balloon (20) at a distal end (18) of a balloon catheter (14). The balloon (20) is inflated with a fluid (44) which has suspended therein a plurality of particles (46) which may be microcapsules or pellets. The particles (46) are echogenic and/or radiopaque, in the preferred embodiment to provide Rayleigh scattering of ultrasonic waves directed to the balloon (20). The balloon (20) thus becomes visible under ultrasonic imaging and by use of an inflation fluid (44) which can be of low viscosity and low toxicity.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon (40) is provided with a plurality of scoring elements (44) extending along the balloon (40). Within the scoring element (44) there are provided channels or lumens (36) extending therethrough. The channels or lumens (36) provide for Rayleigh scattering of ultrasonic waves directed to the balloon (40), thereby being visible by imaging devices. The channels or lumens (36) provide visibility of the balloon (40) during medical procedures, both when the balloon (40) is in a deflated, wrapped, condition and also when the balloon (40) is inflated. It is not necessary to use contrast media to fill the balloon (40).

Abstract: A valvuloplasty balloon assembly includes a balloon (50) provided with end shoulders (64, 66) preferably integral with end cones (54, 56) of the balloon (50). The end shoulders (64, 66) provide a substantially perpendicular stop shoulder (68) at either end of the cylindrical portion (52) of the balloon (50). The restraining shoulders (64, 66) act to hold the balloon (50) within a valve (16) of a heart (10), for instance. This prevents unwanted slippage of the balloon (50) during a valvuloplasty procedure and thus prevents possible damage caused as a result of such slippage.