Abstract: Inverting tube apparatuses having an inverting tube (e.g., a knitted tube) that is configured to roll into an inversion support catheter and capture material from within a body lumen such as a blood vessel, in which the knitted tube is configured to prevent locking down onto the outside of the inversion support catheter. The inversion support catheter may include an expandable funnel at the distal end thereof having an interior profile that is adapted to capture and break apart hard material captured by the tractor so that it may be pulled into the inversion support catheter for removal.

Abstract: Inverting tube apparatuses and methods of using same for removing large amounts of material from a body lumen. The apparatuses and methods described herein may use a depot for holding, in a compressed configuration, a length of the flexible tube configured to invert over the distal end of an inversion support catheter to capture material within a body lumen. The depot is configured to facilitate the release of the flexible tube with a low release force, and in a manner that prevents snagging or binding of the flexible tube either on the body of the catheter or when rolling and inverting into the inversion support catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: Expandable support devices for tissue repair are disclosed. The devices can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Surgical devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged and surgically implanted by an engagement device and affixed to bone to provide stability and support for the devices. The expandable support devices are attachable to spinal fixation devices such as screws or plates, and may be used to support such devices when placed in weakened or damaged areas of bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: Expandable support devices for tissue repair are disclosed. The devices can be used to repair hard or soft tissue, such as bone or vertebral discs. A method of repairing tissue is also disclosed. Surgical devices and methods for adjusting (e.g., removing, repositioning, resizing) deployed orthopedic expandable support devices are also disclosed. The expandable support devices can be engaged and surgically implanted by an engagement device and affixed to bone to provide stability and support for the devices. The expandable support devices are attachable to spinal fixation devices such as screws or plates, and may be used to support such devices when placed in weakened or damaged areas of bone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: A tool for working in a cavity to which access is limited is disclosed. The tool has an elongated sheath with a bore and an open end that is positionable within the cavity. A filamentary element is slidably positioned within the bore of the sheath. A portion of the filamentary element is extendible outwardly from the sheath through the open end and into the cavity. The filamentary element may be biased into a curved or helical shape, and may be a loop or may have an awl, a cutting blade, a scoop, hook, balloon or other piece attached to its end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: A versatile covering process enabled through the identification and manipulation of a plurality of variables present in the electrospinning method of the present invention. By manipulating and controlling various identified variables, it is possible to use electrospinning to predictably produce thin materials having desirable characteristics. The fibers created by the electrospinning process have diameters averaging less than 100 micrometers. Proper manipulation of the identified variables ensures that these fibers are still wet upon contacting a target surface, thereby adhering with each other to form a cloth-like material and, if desired, adhering to the target surface to form a covering thereon. The extremely small size of these fibers, and the resulting interstices therebetween, provides an effective vehicle for drug and radiation delivery, and forms an effective membrane for use in fuel cells.

Abstract: A versatile covering process enabled through the identification and manipulation of a plurality of variables present in the electrospinning method of the present invention. By manipulating and controlling various identified variables, it is possible to use electrospinning to predictably produce thin materials having desirable characteristics. The fibers created by the electrospinning process have diameters averaging less than 100 micrometers. Proper manipulation of the identified variables ensures that these fibers are still wet upon contacting a target surface, thereby adhering with each other to form a cloth-like material and, if desired, adhering to the target surface to form a covering thereon. The extremely small size of these fibers, and the resulting interstices therebetween, provides an effective vehicle for drug and radiation delivery, and forms an effective membrane for use in fuel cells.

Abstract: A versatile covering process enabled through the identification and manipulation of a plurality of variables present in the electrospinning method of the present invention. By manipulating and controlling various identified variables, it is possible to use electrospinning to predictably produce thin materials having desirable characteristics. The fibers created by the electrospinning process have diameters averaging less than 100 micrometers. Proper manipulation of the identified variables ensures that these fibers are still wet upon contacting a target surface, thereby adhering with each other to form a cloth-like material and, if desired, adhering to the target surface to form a covering thereon. The extremely small size of these fibers, and the resulting interstices therebetween, provides an effective vehicle for drug and radiation delivery, and forms an effective membrane for use in fuel cells.