Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device having an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon and downstream from the blockage to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to operatively position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon. Thus the filter is downstream from the blockage and is properly positioned to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: A thermally responsive composite material is provided, comprising a first layer, a second layer and a third layer where the third layer is between the first and second layers. The third layer comprises a material having a low glass transition or melting temperature while the first and second layers comprise material having higher glass transition or melting temperatures than the third material. The thermally responsive composite material also comprises a heating element in contact with the third layer. Methods for using the thermally responsive composite material are also provided.

Abstract: An improved medical device for use in the treatment of stenosis of the ostium of tubular organs, such as, but not limited to blood vessels. The improved medical device includes a configuration and design that enables at least one end region of the improved medical device to flare outwardly.

Abstract: An angioplasty device has a filter associated with it to capture embolic particles that may be broken free during an angioplasty procedure. In one embodiment the embolic filter has a frame in which struts are connected to end rings and to each other by a plurality of interconnected oval members. In another embodiment the device includes an actuator at the proximal end of an actuator wire. By rotating a knob on the device, the physician can smoothly tension the wire by a predetermined amount to prevent the filter from opening too much or too little. Various other embodiments of filter frames are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved medical device for use in the treatment of stenosis of the ostium of tubular organs, such as, but not limited to blood vessels. The improved medical device includes a configuration and design that enables at least one end region of the improved medical device to flare outwardly.

Abstract: An improved medical device for use in the treatment of stenosis of the ostium of tubular organs, such as, but not limited to blood vessels. The improved medical device includes a configuration and design that enables at least one end region of the improved medical device to flare outwardly.

Abstract: A catheter has a section of the catheter shaft adjacent its proximal end in which an outer catheter wall and an inner catheter wall define a space therebetween. An electrode is disposed within the space defined between the inner and outer catheter walls. A magnetorheological fluid fills the space between the inner and outer catheter walls. When an electric current is passed through the electrode, the magnetorheological fluid stiffens, causing the section of the catheter shaft adjacent the proximal end to stiffen.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon. Thus the filter is downstream from the blockage and is properly positioned to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: A deployment device for deploying a medical device in-a body passageway. The deployment device designed to deploy at least a portion of a proximal end of the medical device before partially or fully deploying a distal end of the medical device.

Abstract: A medical treatment device that includes a medical adhesive and a medical device. The medical adhesive is formulated to at least partially physically retain the medical device in a particular form until the medical device is at least partially deployed to a treatment area and/or to at least partially physical connect the medical device to a deployment device until the medical device is at least partially deployed to a treatment area. The medical adhesive can include at least one biological agent.

Abstract: A medical device designed to be used with a guide catheter. The medical device has a body and cross-sectional shape and size that enables the guide catheter to be at least partially fed through a guide catheter. The body of the medical device has a longitudinal length that is at least about 10% of a longitudinal length of the guide catheter. The body of the medical device is at least partially formed of a flexible material.

Abstract: An improved medical device for use in the treatment of stenosis of the ostium of tubular organs, such as, but not limited to blood vessels. The improved medical device includes a configuration and design that enables at least one end region of the improved medical device to flare outwardly.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon. Thus the filter is downstream from the blockage and is properly positioned to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure is performed. The embolic filter is normally collapsed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon is properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter are actuated to erect the filter to position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.