Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: This document discusses an exovascular approach to treating an aneurysm using a minimally-invasive instrument guided by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or another suitable imaging device. A trajectory guide entry device assists in targeting the aneurysm and determining the proper trajectory thereto. Examples of the aneurysm treatment device include a clip, a clasp, a snare, a loop, a hook, a staple, and an electrocautery or other electrode, or any combination of such devices. The aneurysm treatment device is delivered by a probe, such as a tube or other catheter.

Abstract: This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient. The artificial grafts may have shapes other than tubular. Certain procedural and apparatus aspects of the invention have uses other than in connection with grafting in general or tubular grafting in particular.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial markers capable of use in image guided surgery (IGS) procedures, such as neurosurgery, or other applications. One example includes a positioning instrument with a cap that mates directly to an imageable sphere to perform registration. Another example includes a jointed positioning instrument that, when placed in a base, pivots about a location defined by a center of the imageable sphere when it was in the base. Another example includes a fiducial marker with two imageable spheres defining a line intersecting a desired point on the base. Another example includes a base with a receptacle for receiving a positioning instrument. Another example includes an imageable sphere with a removable imageable portion to allow access to a center of the imageable sphere by a positioning instrument.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker assembly that includes an internally engagable base. The base is sized and shaped to be mounted flush to or recessed from an outer surface of a patient's skull, thereby reducing or avoiding patient discomfort. The fiducial marker assembly includes an imagable locator and a registration receptacle. A base insertion instrument is engaged to the base to attach the base to the patient's skull. In one example the base includes a faceted head, permitting a socket-like device to screw or unscrew the base into or out of the skull. In another example, the base includes at least one step or slot for engaging an insertion or extraction tool.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a fiducial marker assembly that includes an internally engagable base. The base is sized and shaped to be mounted flush to or recessed from an outer surface of a patient's skull, thereby reducing or avoiding patient discomfort. The fiducial marker assembly includes an imagable locator and a registration receptacle. A base insertion instrument is engaged into the interior of the base to attach the base to the patient's skull. A guide tube and scalp-stabilizer are provided for assisting in the base-attachment procedure. A trajectory guide can be coupled to the base. An alternative conformal cap to a raised fiducial marker base is also discussed.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides aneurysm occlusion devices 60, 160 formed from a resilient metal fabric and a method for reliably and effectively occluding aneurysms. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the aneurysm devices include a body portion 80 which is sized to be received within an aneurysm and an anchor 70 which is sized, and may also be preformed into a specific shape, to engage the lumen of a vessel having the aneurysm thereon. The aneurysm occluder 60 may also include a generally tubular central portion 62 extending between the body portion and the anchor, the central portion being sized and shaped to be received within the neck of the aneurysm. The present invention has particular advantages over prior minimally invasive techniques for occluding aneurysms in that it can both fill the aneurysm and occlude or “stent” the neck of the aneurysm in one step. It also minimizes damage to healthy vessel tissue by localizing contact with the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods provide accurate targeting, placement, and/or stabilization of an electrode or other instrument(s) into the brain or other body organ, such as to treat severe tremor or other neurological disorders. Targeting is performed using any form of image-guidance, including real-time MRI, CT, or frameless surgical navigation systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a medical device and medical devices which can be formed in accordance with the method. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of a) providing a metal fabric formed of a plurality of strands formed of a metal which can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape; b) deforming the metal fabric to generally conform to a surface of a molding element; c) heat treating the metal fabric in contact with the surface of the molding element to substantially set the shape of the fabric in its deformed state; and d) removing the metal fabric from contact with the molding element. The resulting metal fabric will define a medical device which can be collapsed for passage through a catheter or the like for deployment in a channel of a patient's body. Medical devices made in accordance with this method can have varying structures.

Abstract: A method for controlling the activity of drugs on or in drug-coated or drug-loaded implantable devices, such as stents or other metallic devices, uses non-invasive, inductive heating of such device. The heating of a device, such as stent, can be used to release drugs applied to the stent in release layers, to activate drugs on the stent that have little or no activity at body temperature and to enhance for defined periods the reaction environment at the stent for drug-adjacent tissue interactions. Reverse effects of deactivation of drugs upon heating are also possible.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is delivered to and installed at the operative site primarily by working through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. This avoids the need for any significant surgery on the patient. The artificial grafts may have shapes other than tubular. Certain procedural and apparatus aspects of the invention have uses other than in connection with grafting in general or tubular grafting in particular.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.