Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.

Abstract: A self-expanding cage for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device includes a circumferential member adapted to expand from an unexpanded position to a expanded position within the patient's body vessel. A proximal strut and distal strut are attached to the circumferential member to form the cage. A plurality of proximal and distal struts may be attached the circumferential member. Additionally, a second circumferential member can be attached to the first circumferential member. Each circumferential member can be connected by a single or a plurality of connecting struts. One embodiment of the cage utilizes a single wire to form to the cage. A delivery system attached to the single wire cage moves the cage and its associated filter element between the expanded and unexpanded positions through relative movement of the distal delivery system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of methods and devices for coating stents are described herein.

Abstract: A self-expanding cage for use in conjunction with an embolic filtering device includes one or more circumferential members adapted to expand from an unexpanded position to a expanded position within the patient's body vessel. At least one proximal strut and at least one distal strut are attached to the circumferential member to form the basket. The circumferential member may include a plurality of bending regions which enhance the ability of the circumferential member to move between the unexpanded and expanded positions. The proximal and distal struts can be attached to one of the bending regions. When two or more circumferential members are utilized, each member may be connected by a connecting strut which may be connected at a bending region. The connecting strut can be a straight segment or may have a non-linear shape to provide additional flexibility. The expandable cage can be mounted to a elongated member, such as a guide wire, and can be either permanently mounted or rotatably mounted thereto.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. In one embodiment, the filtering assembly is attached to the distal end of a guide wire and is deployed within the patient's vasculature as the guide wire is manipulated into the area of treatment. A restraining sheath placed over the filtering assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Thereafter, the sheath can be retracted to expose the filtering assembly which will then self-expand within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: An embolic protection device for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed in a stenosed or occluded region to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filtering assembly having a self-expanding strut assembly and a filter element attached thereto. In one embodiment, the filtering assembly is attached to the distal end of a guidewire and is deployed within the patient's vasculature as the guidewire is manipulated into the area of treatment. A restraining sheath placed over the filtering assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filtering assembly in its collapsed position until it is ready to be deployed by the physician. Thereafter, the sheath can be retracted to expose the filtering assembly which will then self-expand within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: An expandable frame for an embolic filtering device used to capture embolic debris in a body vessel includes a first half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop and a second half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop. The partial loops cooperatively form a composite loop for attachment of a filtering element which will expand in the body vessel to capture embolic debris entrained in the fluid of the vessel. The lengths and positioning of the first and second control arms of each half frame can be varied to create an expandable frame which conforms to the size and shape of the body vessel in which the filtering device is deployed. Additionally, the radius of the partial loops, along with the length of the arc of the partial loops, can be varied on each of the frames to create a composite filtering assembly that can easily adapt to the size and shape of the body vessel.

Abstract: An expandable frame for an embolic filtering device used to capture embolic debris in a body vessel includes a first half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop and a second half frame having a first control arm connected to a second control arm by a partial loop. The partial loops cooperatively form a composite loop for attachment of a filtering element which will expand in the body vessel to capture embolic debris entrained in the fluid of the vessel. The expandable frame and filtering element can be mounted on a filter support structure, such as a coiled wire, and mounted on a guide wire. The expandable frames includes an articulation region which helps to distribute the strain which can be developed when the frame moves between an expanded and deployed position. The expandable frame may include further strain distributing bends which help distribute strain and increase the bendability of the frame.

Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which can be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, is capable of enabling at least one operator to control the delivery and removal of an embolic protection device to a position in a patient's vasculature distal to an interventional procedure site, to enable the exchange of the delivery and recovery system. The system, in another embodiment thereof, includes a delivery system and a recovery system which are capable of enabling the delivery and recovery of an embolic protection device so as to maintain a clinically acceptable profile and flexibility through the patient's vasculature.