Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens has an anterior portion which in turn includes an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens also has a posterior portion which in turn includes a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A low profile catheter valve comprises a movable sealer portion positioned within the inflation lumen of a catheter. The sealer portion forms a fluid tight seal with the inflation lumen by firmly contacting the entire circumference of a section of the inflation lumen. The sealer portion may be positioned proximally of a side-access inflation port on the catheter, to establish an unrestricted fluid pathway between the inflation port and an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the catheter. As desired, the clinician may move the sealer portion to a position distal of the inflation port, thereby preventing any fluid from being introduced into or withdrawn from the balloon via the inflation port.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed in which a main catheter is first delivered to a site proximal to the occlusion. The main catheter may include an occlusive device at its distal end. An inner catheter or elongate member (e.g., a guidewire) having an occlusive device at its distal end is delivered to the site of the occlusion, and the occlusive device is activated at a site distal to the occlusion. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion. Next, a catheter is delivered just proximal to the occlusive device, and this catheter is used to aspirate and/or irrigate the area removing particles and debris. The aspiration and irrigation steps are preferably repeated until the particles and debris are removed. Perfusion may be performed by using a perfusion-filter distal of the lesion to be treated or a hypotube which extends beyond the occlusive device attached to the guidewire.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter for use in an emboli containment system. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a flexible elongate member having self-expanding sealing means mounted on its distal extremity. This self-expanding sealing means can take any suitable form, such as a braided structure formed of a suitable shape memory material such as a nickel titanium alloy. In order to prevent abrasion of a vessel, it is desirable to cover the braided structure with a covering of a suitable material such as a polymer which extends over the braided structure and which moves with the braided structure as it expands and contracts.

Abstract: A method for reducing distal embolization during insertion of devices to treat plaque, thrombi and other intravascular occlusions. Using a guide catheter, a guidewire is delivered to a site proximal to the lesion. An aspiration catheter is then introduced over the guidewire, and the two are moved together in a distal to proximal direction across the occlusion. The aspiration catheter is then moved in a proximal to distal direction while continuously aspirating, which prevents embolization of any particles which may be created during the crossing of the guidewire.

Abstract: A device to provide body fluid flow control in the form of a valve to be located within a duct or passageway. The device is controlled through pressure above a preselected threshold. Bulk resilience about a passageway in a valve body provides the mechanism for controlled flow. One-way valve operation may be provided through a flap or through a pressure differential on the valve body depending upon the direction of flow. A frame structure positioned within a resilient seal includes longitudinally elongate elements which may be of spring material, malleable material or heat recoverable material so as to accomplish an initial insertion state and an expanded anchoring state. A valve support transitions between the resilient seal portion and the valve body to insure that the states do not change the threshold opening pressure. Insertion devices may be employed to position and actuate a change of state of the frame in the body duct or passageway.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter for use in an emboli containment system. In one embodiment, the catheter has a tubular body with a metallic braid construction. Two lumens extend through the tubular body, the lumen being in a side-by-side configuration. One of the lumens functions as an inflation lumen, and is in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon mounted on the distal end of the catheter. The second lumen is adapted to receive other therapeutic catheters which comprise the emboli containment system. In another embodiment, apparatus is provided for treatment of a stenosis in a lumen in a blood-carrying vessel comprising a main catheter and a therapeutic catheter. The main catheter comprises a first flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. A sealing element is carried on the distal extremity of the first flexible elongate tubular member.

Abstract: A device to provide body fluid flow control in the form of a valve to be located within a duct or passageway. The device is controlled through pressure above a preselected threshold. Bulk resilience about a passageway in a valve body provides the mechanism for controlled flow. One-way valve operation may be provided through a flap or through a pressure differential on the valve body depending upon the direction of flow. A frame structure positioned within a resilient seal includes longitudinally elongate elements which may be of spring material, malleable material or heat recoverable material so as to accomplish an initial insertion state and an expanded anchoring state. A valve support transitions between the resilient seal portion and the valve body to insure that the states do not change the threshold opening pressure. Insertion devices may be employed to position and actuate a change of state of the frame in the body duct or passageway.

Abstract: A device to provide body fluid flow control in the form of a valve to be located within a duct or passageway. The device is controlled through pressure above a preselected threshold. Bulk resilience about a passageway in a valve body provides the mechanism for controlled flow. One-way valve operation may be provided through a flap or through a pressure differential on the valve body depending upon the direction of flow. A frame structure positioned within a resilient seal includes longitudinally elongate elements which may be of spring material, malleable material or heat recoverable material so as to accomplish an initial insertion state and an expanded anchoring state. A valve support transitions between the resilient seal portion and the valve body to insure that the states do not change the threshold opening pressure. Insertion devices may be employed to position and actuate a change of state of the frame in the body duct or passageway.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed in which a main catheter is first delivered to a site proximal to the occlusion. The main catheter may include an occlusive device at its distal end. An inner catheter or elongate member (e.g., a guidewire) having an occlusive device at its distal end is delivered to the site of the occlusion, and the occlusive device is activated at a site distal to the occlusion. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion. Next, a catheter is delivered just proximal to the occlusive device, and this catheter is used to aspirate and/or irrigate the area removing particles and debris. The aspiration and irrigation steps are preferably repeated until the particles and debris are removed. Perfusion may be performed by using a perfusion-filter distal of the lesion to be treated or a hypotube which extends beyond the occlusive device attached to the guidewire.

Abstract: A low profile device for simultaneous angioplasty and occlusion includes an angioplasty balloon and an occlusion element which adjoin a common catheter. The occlusion element may be either self-expanding (in which case it is deployed with a sheath that surrounds the catheter) or non-self-expanding (in which case it is deployed with a pull wire that passes through the catheter). The angioplasty balloon is inflated with fluid that either passes through the catheter or a separate tube (or lumen) that adjoins the catheter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compliant catheter balloon with an improved elastic response and reduced longitudinal expansion, and a method of forming the same. The balloon comprises a SEBS block copolymer, which is longitudinally pre-stretched during the balloon manufacture process. In order to control the working length of a balloon on a catheter, at least one adhesive stop is provided on the catheter which prevents adhesive from wicking into the working length of the balloon. Preferably, a pair of thermoset tubings with an outer diameter size close to the size of the inner diameter of the balloon are inserted on the distal portion of the catheter. After the proper placement of the balloon, the adhesive is applied at the balloon's proximal and distal ends. As the adhesive wicks to the balloon, the thermoset tubings will eventually stop the adhesive to prevent further wicking of adhesive into the balloon's working length.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed an accommodating intraocular lens for implantation in an eye having an optical axis. The lens comprises an anterior portion which in turn comprises an anterior viewing element and an anterior biasing element. The lens further comprises a posterior portion which in turn comprises a posterior viewing element in spaced relationship to the anterior viewing element and a posterior biasing element. The anterior portion and posterior portion meet at first and second apices of the intraocular lens. The anterior portion and the posterior portion and/or the apices are responsive to force thereon to cause the separation between the viewing elements to change. Additional embodiments and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for exchanging catheters while containing emboli within a blood vessel such as a saphenous vein graft, coronary artery, carotid artery, or other similar vessels. A guidewire is inserted through the vasculature of a patient until it reaches a desired treatment site. A therapy catheter is then inserted over the guidewire until the distal end of the therapy catheter reaches the treatment site. The guidewire has a distally mounted balloon which is inflated to occlude the blood vessel. Then, the therapy catheter provides means for treating the vessel at the treatment site. After treatment, the therapy catheter is removed from the guidewire and exchanged with an aspiration catheter which rides over the guidewire until the distal end of the aspiration catheter reaches the treatment site. The aspiration catheter applies negative pressure to remove any emboli formed by the treatment procedure.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel is disclosed in which a main catheter is first delivered to a site proximal to the occlusion. The main catheter may include an occlusive device at its distal end. An inner catheter or elongate member (e.g., a guidewire) having an occlusive device at its distal end is delivered to the site of the occlusion, and the occlusive device is activated at a site distal to the occlusion. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion. Next, a catheter is delivered just proximal to the occlusive device, and this catheter is used to aspirate and/or irrigate the area removing particles and debris. The aspiration and irrigation steps are preferably repeated until the particles and debris are removed. Perfusion may be performed by using a perfusion-filter distal of the lesion to be treated or a hypotube which extends beyond the occlusive device attached to the guidewire.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a stenosis or an occlusion in a blood vessel in which an occlusive device is first delivered and activated at a site distal to the occlusion to at least partially occlude the vessel. A therapy catheter is then introduced to treat the occlusion and a debris removal device is delivered to aspirate debris from the vessel. The present invention eliminates the need for a separate irrigation catheter and irrigation fluid which allows the procedure to be performed quickly and efficiently, and is especially useful in the removal of occlusion from saphenous vein grafts, the coronary and carotid arteries, arteries above the aortic arch and vessels of similar size and pressure.