Abstract: This invention relates generally to expandable intraluminal medical devices for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to an optimized stent having asymmetrical strut and loop members, wherein at least one pair adjacent radial strut members have unequal axial lengths.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The single disc mechanical closure device is comprise of a distal and proximal anchor constrained by a closure line to facilitate mechanical closure by bringing the distal and proximal anchors into close proximity along the closure line.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices for navigating passageways in a body, and in particular, to a steerable catheter that can be used to navigate the tortuous anatomy of a body's vasculature. In one embodiment of the invention the deflectable catheter comprises an inner catheter body having a first strut spine member and a cantilevered second strut tang member. An outer catheter body is cooperatively associated with the second strut tang member and an actuator is cooperatively associated with the first strut spine member. The actuator is slideably engaged within the outer catheter body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway. The method includes introducing a mechanical closure device into an atrium of the heart and transeptally deploying the closure device across the interatrial septum to provide proximation of the septum secundum and septum primum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a delivery system for delivering a device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The delivery system has an elongate member having a proximal and distal end. A deflectable needle assembly having luminal and abluminal surfaces is slideably engaged within the elongate member. An actuator is slideabley engaged within the elongate member and attached to the needle tip assembly such that translational movement of the actuator causes deflection of the deflectable needle assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart, and related methods of using such closure devices for closing the passageway. The closure device includes a closure line having a first and a second end. A first expandable device is connected to the first end of the closure line. A second expandable device is located along the second end of the closure line, and is capable of sliding along the closure line in one direction while preventing sliding movement in the opposite direction. Alternatively the second closure line is fixed along the second end of the closure line.

Abstract: A device and method for deploying a mechanical closure device for closing a passageway in a body, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in a heart. The deployment device has a first tubular structure having proximal and distal ends. A second tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the first tubular structure. The second tubular structure has a first substantially linear shape when constrained within the first tubular structure, and a second curvilinear shape when telescopically extended from the distal end of the first tubular structure. A third tubular structure is substantially coaxial to and slideably engaged within the second tubular structure. The third tubular structure is configured to provide sufficient rigidity to push the mechanical closure device from the distal end of the second tubular structure, and provide sufficient flexibility to assume a curvilinear shape when deflected by the second tubular structure.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to expandable intraluminal medical devices for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to an optimized stent having asymmetrical strut and loop members, wherein at least one pair adjacent radial strut members have unequal axial lengths.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to expandable intraluminal medical devices for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to an optimized stent having asymmetrical strut and loop members and the method for designing and optimizing said strut and loop members in a continuously variable fashion. In one embodiment of the invention the resulting stent includes one or more members each having at least one component. The component has non-uniform cross-sections to achieve near-uniform stress distribution along the component when the component undergoes deformation.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to expandable intraluminal medical devices for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to an optimized stent having asymmetrical strut and loop members. In one embodiment of the invention the stent includes one or more members each having at least one component. The component has non-uniform cross-sections to achieve near-uniform stress distribution along the component when the component undergoes deformation.