Abstract: Loading systems for compressing and loading an implantable medical device into a device chamber of a medical device delivery system are described. The loading systems include an elongate holding chamber within which the intraluminal medical device is disposed. A plunger has one or more attached pushers adapted to axially advance the intraluminal medical device through an intermediate portion of the holding chamber that has a tapered surface, which compresses the intraluminal medical device over a dilator of a medical device delivery system that has been introduced through the distal end of the elongate holding chamber. The elongate holding chamber can be placed within an outer storage container with an appropriate seal to for storage of the intraluminal medical device within the loading system. Methods of preparing an intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.

Abstract: Storage and loading systems for expandable intraluminal medical devices are described. The systems include a container that defines an opening that tapers from a relatively large first diameter to a relatively small second diameter. A neck region includes structure adapted to engage an outer sheath of a delivery system such that an intraluminal medical device within the chamber of the container can be advanced through the tapered opening to effect compression of the intraluminal medical device and, ultimately, loading of the device into the delivery system. Methods of preparing and intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.

Abstract: A cutting tool is provided for cutting the end of a catheter to provide custom length catheters. The cutting tool has a cutting member that moves within the cutting passageway in the housing. The catheter is positioned within a catheter passageway in the housing. The cutting passageway transacts the catheter passageway so that a blade on the cutting member crosses the catheter passageway and cuts through the width of the catheter to form a cut end on the catheter.

Abstract: A low profile support frame for use as an or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members, and barbs can be disposed on the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: Loading systems for compressing and loading an implantable medical device into a device chamber of a medical device delivery system are described. The loading systems include an elongate holding chamber within which the intraluminal medical device is disposed. A plunger has one or more attached pushers adapted to axially advance the intraluminal medical device through an intermediate portion of the holding chamber that has a tapered surface, which compresses the intraluminal medical device over a dilator of a medical device delivery system that has been introduced through the distal end of the elongate holding chamber. The elongate holding chamber can be placed within an outer storage container with an appropriate seal to for storage of the intraluminal medical device within the loading system. Methods of preparing an intraluminal medical device for implantation in a patient and kits useful in such methods are also described.

Abstract: A low profile support frame for use as an or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members, and barbs can be disposed on the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems useful for deploying one or more occlusive prostheses within the vasculature of a patient. Illustrative devices can include a deployment tube or sheath that contains an occlusive prosthesis, wherein a segment of the sheath is reversible by a user so as to deploy the prosthesis from the sheath lumen within a bodily lumen of a patient.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, is described. The valve prosthesis has a support frame formed from a cannula and an attached covering that defines an opening adapted to move between a first position in which the opening is open to fluid flow and a second position in which the opening is closed to fluid flow. The support frame includes a leaflet support portion and a circumferential centering support element disposed adjacent the leaflet support portion with respect to a lengthwise axis of the support frame and mirroring the leaflet support portion with respect to a transverse axis of the support frame.

Abstract: Described are methods, devices, and systems for occluding or ablating vascular vessels. Noninvasive procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous valve insufficiency. Further described is the cooperative use of an angiogenic remodelable material with one or more sclerosing agents to cause closure of a targeted bodily vessel.

Abstract: A method for open surgical repair of a damaged portion of an artery or vein. A tubular medical assembly may include one or more shaped members, such as microbarbs, configured to anchor into the tunica intima and the tunica media of the vessel wall, and not to the tunic adventitia and vasa vasorum. The medical assembly is delivered to the damaged vessel portion via a delivery device through an open air pathway, and forms a conduit between transected ends of the damaged vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a flow-deflecting medical device comprising a support structure and two flow-deflecting members attached to the support structure. The first flow-deflecting member is movable to a position in which it contacts and substantially seals against the second flow-deflecting member.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, devices and methods for protecting the body from downstream embolization. In one embodiment, a distal protection device comprises a shaft and a jacket with the shaft being received within the jacket. The device also includes a filter, which is supported by a wire cone that has one end attached to the jacket and an opposite end attached to the shaft. The shaft is rotatable relative to the jacket to reduce the size of the cone for capturing embolic debris within the wire cone. The invention also provides such devices in combination with instruments (e.g., balloon stent catheters) for treating stenosis and other similar conditions.

Abstract: A low profile support frame for use as an or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members, and barbs can be disposed on the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.

Abstract: A perfusion device and a delivery system for repair of a damaged portion of a body vessel. Perfusion device can include a tubular body that is self-expandable, having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an intermediate portion. One or more series of barbs can be disposed circumferentially along the intermediate portion. Barbs are capable of penetrating into the tunica intima and tunica media of said vessel wall upon insertion of said device into said body vessel, and not into said tunica adventitia. A graft can be associated with the tubular body. Graft has a proximal end and a distal end, and preferably extends entirely along a luminal wall of the tubular body. Graft may also extend along an exterior surface of the tubular body at the proximal and distal portions. A remodelable covering can be applied along the intermediate portion. Delivery devices for the perfusion implant and methods of delivering the perfusion implant are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to support frames for prosthetic implantable valves. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.

Abstract: Delivery systems for delivering and deploying expandable intraluminal medical devices within a body vessel are provided. A portion of the delivery system that includes the expandable intraluminal medical device orients itself about an axis based on characteristics of the body vessel, such as the relative orientation of major and minor axes of the vessel. This allows the intraluminal medical device to be deployed in the vessel in a desired orientation relative to the vessel. Embodiments can be used with any suitable intraluminal medical device, including valve devices, stents, drug-coated stents, filters, and other suitable devices. Methods of delivering and deploying intraluminal medical devices are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an expandable valve prosthesis for regulating flow through a body vessel. The prosthesis comprises a frame configured to form a laterally asymmetric partial sinus and a valve member.

Abstract: Valvulotome devices and methods are provided. Valvulotome devices include one or more valvulotome arms that have a u-shaped curved body with opposing arms and a base portion that extends between the arms. The valvulotome arm defines a notch open at one end on one of the arms and extending into the base portion of the u-shaped curved body. The notch defines an angled surface that provides a cutting edge. Methods of making valvulotome devices are also described.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.

Abstract: A medical device delivery system has a tubular member defining a passageway and an inner member slideably disposed within the passageway. An expandable intraluminal medical device is disposed on a chamber of the inner member, and an evertable sleeve is attached to the inner member proximal to the chamber and to an inner surface of the tubular member. Relative movement between the tubular and outer members moves the evertable sleeve from a first position substantially overlying the expandable intraluminal medical device to a second position substantially proximal to the chamber.