Abstract: A vascular occlusion device deployment system can deploy an occlusion device at a preselected site within the vasculature of a patient. The deployment system includes a pusher which employs an elongated member that releases an embolic device when a breakpoint of the elongated member is fractured by applying torque to the breakpoint such as by rotating the elongated member.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least three radially-spaced struts, each , each strut connecting the proximal end to the distal end and having one or more bends that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made or a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least three radially-spaced struts, each strut connecting the proximal end to the distal end and having one or more bends that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made of a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation or the balloon.

Abstract: An intravascular system for pumping blood from a chamber of a heart and through an associated blood vessel coupled in fluid communication therewith. The system includes a pump device configured to be inserted into a blood vessel. The system further includes a catheter having a proximal end coupled to the pump device and a distal end configured to collect blood within or exiting from the chamber. The catheter further includes a pre-formed shape corresponding to the vessel to at least assist with stabilization and positioning of the pump device in the vessel.

Abstract: A transseptal cannula assembly for directing blood from the heart of a patient and a minimally invasive method of implanting the same. The transseptal cannula assembly includes a flexible cannula body having proximal and distal portions with a lumen therebetween, a tip coupled to the distal portion of the flexible cannula body, and first and second anchors coupled to the tip. The anchors can be configured to be deployed from a contracted state to an expanded state and are configured to engage opposite sides of the heart tissue when in the expanded state. The anchors resist movement of the cannula assembly along a lengthwise central axis of the flexible cannula body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for delivering a drug to a selected site in the vascular system of a patient. More specifically, the apparatus is a balloon catheter comprising an expandable balloon with a pouch around at least a portion of the balloon. When the balloon is not expanded, an agent can be located in the area between the pouch and the balloon. The agent is released through the pouch when the balloon is expanded.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter having proximal and distal end portions, with fluidly connected coaxial lumens extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion into a patient's intraluminal passageways. One or more treating elements are positionable within one of the lumens and movable between the proximal and distal portions by fluid flowing through the lumens. The distal portion includes a distal guide wire lumen having a proximal exit port distally located relative to the treatment elements positioned at the distal portion. To simultaneously achieve stiffness along the proximal portion and flexibility along the distal portion, the inner and/or outer coaxial members may be of more than one-piece construction. The inner and/or outer members may also be stepped or bumped in diameter to decrease the pressure and fluid transit times within the catheter. A balloon may be added to the distal portion for positioning the catheter or performing angioplasty.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for maintaining the patency of vascular catheter lumens so as to keep such lumens open and unobstructed when an indwelling catheter is not being used to administer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for delivering a drug to a selected site in the vascular system of a patient. More specifically, the apparatus is a balloon catheter comprising an expandable balloon with a pouch around at least a portion of the balloon. When the balloon is not expanded, an agent can be located in the area between the pouch and the balloon. The agent is released through the pouch when the balloon is expanded.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one extension section, at least one set of serpentine rings and at least one set of elongation links that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made of a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding device for sealing a defect in a wall, such as a septal defect. The device of the present invention has a helical shaped periphery formed from an elastic wire and at least one eyelet. The eyelet has a non-circular (“asymmetric”) shape which allows the eyelet to slide along a guiding mandrel. The non-circular shaped eyelet and mandrel prevent rotation of the eyelet relative to the mandrel thereby ensuring a consistent deployed shape. The present invention also incorporates a self-articulating catheter tip which can be bent to a variety of angles to enhance the ease of delivery. The tip is articulated by varying the position of the closure device within the articulated portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A treating element source train that comprises a plurality of treating elements, with each treating element comprising a hollow outer housing closed on each end and a radiation emitting substance encapsulated therein. The treating elements are aligned end-to-end, and a wire is wound around the exterior of the treating elements to maintain the treating elements in their end-to-end relationship. The wire may be helically coiled about the treating elements, or braided around them. Also, the wire may be secured to the proximal and distal treating elements, or to each individual treating element. Preferably, the wire is made of a radiopaque material such as gold, platinum, platinum iridium, tungsten and tantalum. In an alternate embodiment, the source train may be provided with an end cap at either end, with the wire jacket being secured to each endcap.

Abstract: Apparatus includes an elongated flexible catheter having proximal and distal end portions, with fluidly connected coaxial lumens extending therebetween, and a diameter sufficiently small for insertion into a patient's intraluminal passageways. One or more treating elements are positionable within one of the lumens and movable between the proximal and distal portions by fluid flowing through the lumens. The distal portion includes a distal guide wire lumen having a proximal exit port distally located relative to the treatment elements positioned at the distal portion. To simultaneously achieve stiffness along the proximal portion and flexibility along the distal portion, the inner and/or outer coaxial members may be of more than one-piece construction. The inner and/or outer members may also be stepped or bumped in diameter to decrease the pressure and fluid transit times within the catheter. A balloon may be added to the distal portion for positioning the catheter or performing angioplasty.

Abstract: A method for stretch blow molding dilatation balloons for angioplasty catheters having a significantly reduced cone thickness without sacrifice in burst strength is achieved by utilizing a mold whose cavity includes arcuate walls defining the balloon's end cones and a predetermined minimal distance from the side edges of the mold to the points where the arcuate walls intersect with a smaller diameter balloon stem portion. Utilizing this mold and providing for three longitudinal stretching sequences, one prior to, one during and one following radial expansion of the heated plastic parison, results in an improved balloon exhibiting reduced cone stiffness.

Abstract: A method for stretch blow molding dilatation balloons for angioplasty catheters having a significantly reduced cone thickness without sacrifice in burst strength is achieved by utilizing a mold whose cavity includes arcuate walls defining the balloon's end cones and a predetermined minimal distance from the side edges of the mold to the points where the arcuate walls intersect with a smaller diameter balloon stem portion. Utilizing this mold and providing for three longitudinal stretching sequences, one prior to, one during and one following radial expansion of the heated plastic parison, results in an improved balloon exhibiting reduced cone stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding device for sealing a defect in a wall, such as a septal defect. The device of the present invention has a helical shaped periphery formed from an elastic wire and at least one eyelet. The eyelet has a non-circular (“asymmetric”) shape which allows the eyelet to slide along a guiding mandrel. The non-circular shaped eyelet and mandrel prevent rotation of the eyelet relative to the mandrel thereby ensuring a consistent deployed shape. The present invention also incorporates a self-articulating catheter tip which can be bent to a variety of angles to enhance the ease of delivery. The tip is articulated by varying the position of the closure device within the articulated portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for stretch blow molding dilatation balloons for angioplasty catheters having a significantly reduced cone thickness without sacrifice in burst strength is achieved by utilizing a mold whose cavity includes arcuate walls defining the balloon's end cones and a predetermined minimal distance from the side edges of the mold to the points where the arcuate walls intersect with a smaller diameter balloon stem portion. Utilizing this mold and providing for three longitudinal stretching sequences, one prior to, one during and one following radial expansion of the heated plastic parison, results in an improved balloon exhibiting reduced cone stiffness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-expanding device for sealing a defect in a wall, such as a septal defect. The device of the present invention has a helical shaped periphery formed from an elastic wire and at least one eyelet. The eyelet has a non-circular (“asymmetric”) shape which allows the eyelet to slide along a guiding mandrel. The non-circular shaped eyelet and mandrel prevent rotation of the eyelet relative to the mandrel thereby ensuring a consistent deployed shape. The present invention also incorporates a self-articulating catheter tip which can be bent to a variety of angles to enhance the ease of delivery. The tip is articulated by varying the position of the closure device within the articulated portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A non-porous coated PTFE graft includes a PTFE tube having a conventional porous inner cylindrical wall and a non-porous elastomeric coating applied over at least a portion of the outer cylindrical wall of the PTFE tube to render such portion of the outer cylindrical wall non-porous. The elastomeric coating is made of polyurethane or another biocompatible non-porous elastomer and precludes tissue ingrowth into the outer cylindrical wall, minimizes suture hole bleeding, and increases suture retention strength, while reducing the incidence of serous weepage. The elastomeric coating is preferably applied by mounting the PTFE tube upon a mandrel of like diameter and either dip coating or spray coating all, or selected portions, of the PTFE tube with liquified polyurethane. After the polyurethane coating is completely dried, the non-porous vascular graft is removed form the mandrel and is ready for use.

Abstract: A vascular patch for closing an incision in a blood vessel includes a base layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) having an outer coating of an elastomeric, biocompatible material such as polyurethane to minimize suture hole bleeding. Suture guidelines are formed upon the ablumenal side of the PTFE base layer prior to application of the elastomeric coating to facilitate proper and consistent placement of sutures. A colorant is added to the elastomeric coating to identify the ablumenal side of the vascular patch. The vascular patch is made by mounting an expanded PTFE tube upon a mandrel and applying a water based PTFE ink as a helical stripe about the outer surface of the PTFE tube to form the suture guidelines. The striped PTFE tube is then dip-coated or spray-coated with the elastomeric coating to which the colorant has been added. The PTFE tube is slit to form a flat sheet from which vascular patches are cut.