Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: A gastrectomy device includes an elongated member defining a centerline that extends through proximal and distal ends thereof. A shape modification member coupled to the elongated member is movable relative to the centerline of the elongated member. The shape modification member is movable between a first state, adjacent to the elongated member, and a second state, spaced from the elongated member. The shape modification member conforms to a portion of a patient's stomach in the second state.

Abstract: A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of a light-energy signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing supporting a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. A first flexible, elongated energy bearing delivery fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the first reflective surface. A second flexible, elongated energy bearing collection fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the second reflective surface. The housing is rotatably supported on a flexible catheter sheath for insertion of the catheter into a mammalian body for tissue analysis thereof.

Abstract: A novel treatment for atherosclerotic vascular disease is described utilizing the implantation of a thin, conformable biocompatible prosthesis constructed from a composite of various structural and therapeutic scaffolds in combination with one or more bioactive agents. This prosthesis can be delivered into position over a lesion in order to passivate atherosclerotic plaques with minimal remodeling of the artery, or alternatively can be applied with a balloon to passivate the remodeled site. The composite prosthesis itself provides mild structural reinforcement of the vessel wall and an evenly distributed platform for the introduction of bioactive therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A catheter tip apparatus arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of a light-energy signal to permit subsequent computerized analysis of body tissue by the collected signal. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing supporting a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface and the second reflective surface are longitudinally spaced apart from one another. A first flexible, elongated energy bearing delivery fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the first reflective surface. A second flexible, elongated energy bearing collection fiber has a distalmost end arranged adjacent the second reflective surface. The housing is rotatably supported on a flexible catheter sheath for insertion of the catheter into a mammalian body for tissue analysis thereof.

Abstract: Novel approaches for a conformable vascular prosthesis delivery system are provided which overcome the limitations of existing high pressure balloons for delivering intravascular prostheses to the site of high-risk plaques. One embodiment involves a short balloon segment which is inflated at one end of the prosthesis and then pulled to traverse the length of the prosthesis, dilating the surrounding prosthesis and securing it to the vessel wall as it traverses the length of the prosthesis. The short balloon segment causes less local trauma to the vessel relative to a full length balloon. Another embodiment involves use of a self-expandable mesh to expand the surrounding prosthesis and secure it to the vessel wall. The self expandable mesh is less traumatic than a typical angioplasty balloon because of the lower radial forces applied and the relatively higher transverse flexibility of the mesh.

Abstract: A novel treatment for atherosclerotic vascular disease is described utilizing the implantation of a thin, conformable biocompatible prosthesis constructed from a composite of various structural and therapeutic scaffolds in combination with one or more bioactive agents. This prosthesis can be delivered into position over a lesion in order to passivate atherosclerotic plaques with minimal remodeling of the artery, or alternatively can be applied with a balloon to passivate the remodeled site. The composite prosthesis itself provides mild structural reinforcement of the vessel wall and an evenly distributed platform for the introduction of bioactive therapeutic agents.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides catheter pullback apparatuses in which a reusable drive component is enclosed in a sterile disposable barrier enclosure, such as a polymeric sheath/bag. In one embodiment, the reusable drive component includes a pullback carriage that is magnetically coupled, through the sterile barrier, to a slideable catheter shuttle adapted to retain a catheter hub of a catheter. In another embodiment, a sterile barrier-enclosed drive component is inserted into a housing, in which process a piercing tip provided on the catheter shuttle pierces the enclosure and mechanically mates the slideable catheter shuttle and pullback carriage. In this manner, non-sterility of the operating environment is minimized.

Abstract: The invention provides various fiber optic probe assemblies for the delivery and collection of light in small spaces. The provided probe assemblies are small, flexible and well suited to performing minimally invasive spectroscopic examinations of biological tissues in-vivo. The invention also provides intravascular catheters that include the fiber optic probe assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for delivery of mitomycin through an eluting biocompatible implantable medical device. A biocompatible drug release matrix comprises a biocompatible drug release matrix and a drug incorporated into the biocompatible drug release matrix. The drug has antibiotic and anti-proliferative properties and is an analogue related to the quinone-containing alkylating agents of a mitomycin family. The drug is initially released from the biocompatible drug release matrix at a faster rate followed by a release at a slower rate. The drug release rate maintains tissue level concentrations of the drug for at least two weeks after implantation of the medical device. The present invention provides a coating for a vascular prosthesis that elutes the drug at a controlled rate to inhibit proliferation of smooth muscle cells causing restenosis.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a method for delivery of mitomycin through an eluting biocompatible implantable medical device. A biocompatible drug release matrix comprises a biocompatible drug release matrix and a drug incorporated into the biocompatible drug release matrix. The drug has antibiotic and anti-proliferative properties and is an analogue related to the quinone-containing alkylating agents of a mitomycin family. The drug is initially released from the biocompatible drug release matrix at a faster rate followed by a release at a slower rate. The drug release rate maintains tissue level concentrations of the drug for at least two weeks after implantation of the medical device. The present invention provides a coating for a vascular prosthesis that elutes the drug at a controlled rate to inhibit proliferation of smooth muscle cells causing restenosis.

Abstract: Novel approaches for a conformable vascular prosthesis delivery system are provided which overcome the limitations of existing high pressure balloons for delivering intravascular prostheses to the site of high-risk plaques. One embodiment involves a short balloon segment which is inflated at one end of the prosthesis and then pulled to traverse the length of the prosthesis, dilating the surrounding prosthesis and securing it to the vessel wall as it traverses the length of the prosthesis. The short balloon segment causes less local trauma to the vessel relative to a full length balloon. Another embodiment involves use of a self-expandable mesh to expand the surrounding prosthesis and secure it to the vessel wall. The self expandable mesh is less traumatic than a typical angioplasty balloon because of the lower radial forces applied and the relatively higher transverse flexibility of the mesh.

Abstract: A novel treatment for atherosclerotic vascular disease is described utilizing the implantation of a thin, conformable biocompatible prosthesis constructed from a composite of various structural and therapeutic scaffolds in combination with one or more bioactive agents. This prosthesis can be delivered into position over a lesion in order to passivate atherosclerotic plaques with minimal remodeling of the artery, or alternatively can be applied with a balloon to passivate the remodeled site. The composite prosthesis itself provides mild structural reinforcement of the vessel wall and an evenly distributed platform for the introduction of bioactive therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved catheters in which lateral-viewing optical components extend radially outward from the catheter axis to optically interrogate blood vessel walls. One aspect of the invention provides a guidewire-compatible design for this type of catheter. In another aspect of invention, the lateral-viewing optical components are disposed on multiple branches that are collectively disposed within the lumen of an expandable balloon.

Abstract: A catheter tip apparatus is arranged in a catheter for the delivery and collection of an energy signal to permit analysis and/or treatment of body tissue by the energy signal. The apparatus comprises an elongated housing having a plurality of annularly disposed elongated grooves arranged thereon; and a flexible energy-bearing fiber arranged in each of the elongated grooves. Each of the fibers have a proximal end in communication with an energy delivery source or a signal analysis center. Each of the fibers also have a distalmost end in communication with a reflector for analysis and treatment of body tissue in which the catheter is disposed.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and apparatuses for delivering stents and other devices into the myocardium of a patient. One preferred stent delivery system provides access to the insertion site in the myocardium by advancing a delivery catheter through a blockage in a coronary artery, or around the blockage through a coronary vein or through a channel or tunnel formed around the blockage. In one embodiment, once the distal end of the delivery catheter is adjacent the myocardium, an angled bend is created in the catheter by actuating expandable steering guides mounted to the catheter which cooperate with the walls of the blood vessel to cause the catheter to turn. Then, a guidewire is advanced through the delivery catheter and into the myocardium. In another embodiment, a tip-deflecting pull wire extends from the distal end of the delivery catheter which may be actuated to turn towards and then inserted into the myocardium.

Abstract: Described herein are various methods and apparatuses for delivering stents or conduits and other devices into the myocardium of a patient. One preferred stent delivery system provides access to the insertion site in the myocardium by advancing a delivery catheter through a blockage in a coronary artery, or around the blockage through a coronary vein or through a channel or tunnel formed around the blockage. In one embodiment, once the distal end of the delivery catheter is adjacent the myocardium, an angled bend is created in the catheter by actuating expandable steering guides mounted to the catheter which cooperate with the walls of the blood vessel to cause the catheter to turn. Then, a guidewire is advanced through the delivery catheter and into the myocardium. In another embodiment, a tip-deflecting pull wire extends from the distal end of the delivery catheter which may be actuated to turn towards and then inserted into the myocardium.