Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment means is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment means.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment means is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment means.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment means is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment means.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment means is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment means.

Abstract: A device for expansion within a blood vessel having a wall defining a lumen in the body. The device comprises an elongated tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a longitudinal axis. An expansile member is carried by the distal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is movable between contracted and expanded configurations. A deformable membrane having proximal and distal outer surfaces at least partially covers the expansile member in the expanded configuration. The proximal and distal outer surfaces have substantially different configurations when the expansile member is in the expanded configuration. Deployment tool is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and is coupled to the expansile member for moving the expansile member between the contracted and expanded configurations. A handle assembly is carried by the proximal extremity of the elongated tubular member and coupled to said deployment tools.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pair of valved conduits and a pumping portion connected by these conduits into the circulatory system of a host patient. The pumping portion and valved conduits are constructed and configured to minimize the number of material-surface transitions which blood must cross in flowing through the device. Also, the valved conduits include porcine xenograft valves, which are externally supported by stenting structure located outside of the blood-contacting flow path of the device. A flexible shape-retaining inner wall member of the valved conduits is impervious to blood, but defines a porous inner surface on which a stable biological interface may form. Also, this inner wall member is shaped with sinuses which do not replicate either the porcine sinuses from which the xenograft valves were taken, or human aortic sinuses.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pair of valved conduits and a pumping portion connected by these conduits into the circulatory system of a host patient. The pumping portion and valved conduits are constructed and configured to minimize the number of material-surface transitions which blood must cross in flowing through the device. Also, the valved conduits include porcine xenograft valves, which are externally supported by stenting structure located outside of the blood-contacting flow path of the device. A flexible shape-retaining inner wall member of the valved conduits is impervious to blood, but defines a porous inner surface on which a stable biological interface may form. Also, this inner wall member is shaped with sinuses which do not replicate either the porcine sinuses from which the xenograft valves were taken, or human aortic sinuses.

Abstract: A method and device for introduction of a catheter and/or delivering a fluid, such as oxygenated blood, to a patient's vascular system includes a cannula having an expandable portion. The expandable portion is movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position. The expandable portion is inserted into the patient in the collapsed position which facilitates introduction and advancement of the cannula through the patient's blood vessel. After introduction into the patient, the expandable portion is moved to the expanded position. The expandable portion protects the blood vessel against fluid forces when flowing a fluid through the cannula and protects the vessel from contact with the catheter advanced through the cannula.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pair of valved conduits and a pumping portion connected by these conduits into the circulatory system of a host patient. The pumping portion and valved conduits are constructed and configured to minimize the number of material-surface transitions which blood must cross in flowing through the device. Also, the valved conduits include porcine xenograft valves, which are externally supported by stenting structure located outside of the blood-contacting flow path of the device. A flexible shape-retaining inner wall member of the valved conduits is impervious to blood, but defines a porous inner surface on which a stable biological interface may form. Also, this inner wall member is shaped with sinuses which do not replicate either the porcine sinuses from which the xenograft valves were taken, or human aortic sinuses.

Abstract: A pressure compensated, fiber optic coupler for use underwater includes a water impermeable housing have first and second apertures to receive the respective optical fibers. One fiber is permanently held by the seal to the first aperture. The other fiber is inserted through the second aperture which is sealed by a conformable seal which is biased closed when no fiber is inserted through it. An incompressible, refraction of index matched fluid fills the interior of the housing to provide pressure compensation. The conformable seal is conveniently constructed of flexible neoprene and the housing is preferably titanium.