Abstract: The invention is directed to mechanisms and methods that reduce the delamination of a therapeutic agent from a stent. The mechanisms include holes (channels, wells, and other hole configurations), protrusions, sintered metal cores, clamps/staples, pins, and stainless steel shields.

Abstract: A method of making a medical device includes compressing a prosthesis, e.g., a therapeutic agent-carrying stent or stent-graft, to a catheter without contacting an outer surface of the prosthesis, e.g., by electromagnetically compressing the prosthesis.

Abstract: A system for controlling multiple guidewires comprises a guiderail, which has a housing that defines a first guidewire lumen and a second guidewire lumen. The guidewire lumens extend through the entire length of the guiderail. The guiderail housing further defines a first longitudinal opening that extends from the first guidewire lumen to the exterior of the guiderail, and a second longitudinal opening that extends from the second guidewire lumen to the exterior of the guiderail.

Abstract: An expandable medical balloon having predetermined strategic arrangement of differentially lubricious surfaces.

Abstract: A medical device including an insertable body which is insertable into a body lumen or cavity. The insertable body of the medical device includes a magnetically activatable body portion to magnetically induce a dimension change to effect treatment.

Abstract: An intravascular filter having centering capabilities and a device for manipulation of the filter within a vessel. The manipulation device includes a grasping member disposed at the distal end of an elongate shaft, wherein the grasping member may be used to engage a portion of the filter.

Abstract: In an assembly of a balloon mounted on a catheter and a stent mounted over the deflated balloon, the balloon is provided with a fugitive plasticizer before the stent is crimped over the balloon. The fugitive plasticizer can soften the balloon surface so that molding of the balloon surface to conform to the crimped stent occurs. The fugitive plasticizer is removed before the assembly is used.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprising a catheter. The catheter having a catheter shaft, and a balloon mounted thereto. A stent is disposed about at least a portion of the balloon. The stent having an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The stent being retained on the balloon in the unexpanded state by at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve having a first portion engaged to the catheter and a second portion at least partially overlaying an end of the stent when the stent is in the unexpanded state. At least one membrane is disposed about a portion of the stent. The at least one membrane constructed and arranged to prevent portions of the stent thereunder from flaring out during advancement of the catheter.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which includes a stent delivery catheter, the stent delivery catheter having a stent mounting region, the stent mounting region having an inflatable portion. A stent is disposed about the stent mounting region, the stent having an unexpanded position and an expanded position. At least one stent retaining sleeve is also included having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the stent delivery catheter, the at least one stent retaining sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the stent in the unexpanded position, the stent retaining sleeve being constructed and arranged to retract toward the attached first end when the stent is expanded.

Abstract: A medical device including an insertable body which is insertable into a body lumen or cavity. The insertable body of the medical device includes a magnetically activatable body portion to magnetically induce a dimension change to effect treatment.

Abstract: A method of making a medical device includes compressing a prosthesis, e.g., a therapeutic agent-carrying stent or stent-graft, to a catheter without contacting an outer surface of the prosthesis, e.g., by electromagnetically compressing the prosthesis.

Abstract: A stent delivery system which includes a stent delivery catheter, the stent delivery catheter having a stent mounting region, the stent mounting region having an inflatable portion. A stent is disposed about the stent mounting region, the stent having an unexpanded position and an expanded position. At least one stent retaining sleeve is also included having first and second ends, the first end being attached to the stent delivery catheter, the at least one stent retaining sleeve disposed about at least a portion of the stent in the unexpanded position, the stent retaining sleeve being constructed and arranged to retract toward the attached first end when the stent is expanded.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprising a catheter. The catheter having a catheter shaft, and a balloon mounted thereto. A stent is disposed about at least a portion of the balloon. The stent having an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The stent being retained on the balloon in the unexpanded state by at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve having a first portion engaged to the catheter and a second portion at least partially overlaying an end of the stent when the stent is in the unexpanded state. At least one membrane is disposed about a portion of the stent. The at least one membrane constructed and arranged to prevent portions of the stent thereunder from flaring out during advancement of the catheter.