Abstract: The balloon portion of a balloon catheter for implanting a stent structure is at least initially retained laterally to a guide wire by passing the guide wire axially along the balloon inside the stent structure but not through the interior of the balloon or any permanent guide wire lumen at the location of the balloon. The initially deflated balloon may be folded laterally into a plurality of folds, and the guide wire may pass between the folds or outside the folds as desired. Guide wire lumens may be provided distally and/or proximally of the balloon. An elastic sleeve may be provided around the balloon to help keep the balloon folded prior to inflation and to help refold the balloon during and after deflation. If an elastic sleeve is provided, the guide wire may pass along the balloon inside the sleeve.

Abstract: A stent for helping to hold open a lumen in a tubular body structure has at least one axial portion (preferably an axial end portion) that stents the surrounding portion of the tubular body structure to a lesser degree than another axial portion of the stent. For example, the stent portion that stents to a lesser degree may be circumferentially weaker than the other stent portion, or it may recoil more than the other stent portion after the stent is applied by being circumferentially expanded and then released.

Abstract: A stent and method for manufacturing a stent comprising an expandable, generally tubular body portion in which one or both ends of the stent are provided with a generally rounded, smooth radiused portion that forms a bulbous protrusion out of the plane of the circumference of the stent. The design of the stent increases the profile of the end of the stent and decreases the risk of injury or vessel dissection during stent deployment.

Abstract: A stent for helping to hold open a lumen in a tubular body structure has at least one axial portion (preferably an axial end portion) that stents the surrounding portion of the tubular body structure to a lesser degree than another axial portion of the stent. For example, the stent portion that stents to a lesser degree may be circumferentially weaker than the other stent portion, or it may recoil more than the other stent portion after the stent is applied by being circumferentially expanded and then released.

Abstract: A seal for a medical device such as a catheter is formed between two parts of the device which are capable of movement relative to each other, either axially, rotationally or both. The seal is formed by opposing sealing surfaces on each of the two parts, the surfaces being sufficiently smooth and of sufficiently close proximity that liquids having viscosities on the order of those normally used in catheters will not pass between the surfaces due to such effects as surface tension and friction. In certain embodiments, the surfaces are arranged to permit liquid to pass at a controlled rate for purposes of perfusion when desired, or the surfaces can be moved relative to one another to achieve this capability.

Abstract: A seal for a medical device such as a catheter is formed between two parts of the device which are capable of movement relative to each other, either axially, rotationally or both. The seal is formed by opposing sealing surfaces on each of the two parts, the surfaces being sufficiently smooth and of sufficiently close proximity that liquids having viscosities on the order of those normally used in catheters will not pass between the surfaces due to such effects as surface tension and friction. In certain embodiments, the surfaces are arranged to permit liquid to pass at a controlled rate for purposes of perfusion when desired, or the surfaces can be moved relative to one another to achieve this capability.

Abstract: A catheter, having a substantially fluid-tight seal is provided. The seal can be used in a number of catheters, including an angioplasty catheter. The seal includes surfaces that are independently movable relative to one another. The effectiveness of the seal depends on the proximity of the surfaces, the surface are at the interface, pressure differential and viscosity of the fluid. The seal is used in connection with providing fluid-tight channels with surfaces that are relatively movable and to circumvent the need to separate hydraulic channels from other channels so that catheters can be provided with fewer channels. Further, catheters and catheter systems with smaller shaft dimensions or larger hydraulic channel dimensions is made possible. Balloon catheters using this seal have enhanced torque delivery and directional control.

Abstract: A dilatation balloon catheter is disclosed with an inelastic balloon wrapped about a smaller section of a guidewire. During introduction across a region of a stenosis, the balloon is wrapped around a guidewire in such a way that the guidewire contained therein can rotated freely, but cannot advance independently of the balloon. The wrapped configuration is maintained by means of a temporary bond. Inflation of the balloon, following proper positioning of the catheter breaks the bond, permitting the balloon to unwrap from the guidewire contained therein. Typically, the distal end of the guidewire is tapered and the guide wire is controllably clamped to the catheter for advancement into the patient.