Abstract: A method is provided for site specific delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a region in a fluid-filled cavity, vessel or tissue using an agent-loaded microbubble population. The population has controlled fragility characterized by a uniform wall thickness to diameter ratio which defines the discrete threshold intensity value of ultrasonic power where microbubble rupture occurs in the population. The location of the microbubble population may be monitored by ultrasound to determine its presence at the region prior to application of the ultrasonic power to rupture to microbubbles.

Abstract: Devices and methods for a minimally invasive procedure for cutting tissue are disclosed. The device generally includes a probe with a distal exit at an exit angle relative to the probe, a cutting loop with shape memory having a preconfigured shape, and a loop securing mechanism to secure the cutting loop in a penetrating configuration and to release the cutting loop into a cutting configuration. The cutting loop is generally within a profile of the probe in the penetrating configuration. In the cutting configuration, the cutting loop extends through the cutting loop exit and generally returns to the preconfigured shape at a cutting angle generally defined by the exit angle. The cutting loop securing mechanism may be, for example, a cover slidable over the probe, a slidable member extending from a distal tip of the probe, or a groove defined in the probe proximal to the cutting loop exit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cutting of soft tissue using radio frequency and suitable for use in minimally invasive procedures are disclosed. The device generally includes an electrode housed in a housing, the electrode being flexible and/or extendable out of and/or retractable into the housing, and an insulating layer partially surrounding the electrode to expose at least a portion of the electrode to define at least one cutting area so as to focus energy from the energy source to the cutting area to facilitate initiation of a cut with the cutting area in contact with tissue. The cutting area(s) may extend and/or be aligned in a direction along a length of the electrode and may include a sharpened and/or serrated edge. The tissue cutting device may include an automated electrode oscillator coupled to the electrode and configured to oscillate the electrode along an axis or plane generally defined by the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and associated methods for delivering side-to-side and end-to-side anastomotic connectors to join any two (or more) vessels together such that fluid communication is established between the lumens of the two or more joined vessels. The systems of the present invention employ one or more deployment mechanisms over which the anastomotic connector is positioned for delivery and subsequently deployment within a vessel. The deployment mechanisms may be inflatable balloons or expandable baskets or a combination thereof or the like, which, when inflated and/or expanded, cause one or more portions of the anastomotic connector to deploy.

Abstract: Devices and associated methods for implanting or delivering devices within vessels, lumens, ducts or other tubular organ or graft conduits rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner are described. The subject devices variously include a split-end confinement member adapted to receive an anastomosis device and a plunger to urge a seal of the connector out of a lower opening in the confinement member. Each of the connector and confinement member are preferably surrounded by a reinforcement member to aid in delivery. Such a reinforcement member and the confinement member preferably include an upper opening to receive a tubular flow channel portion or connector lumen of the anastomosis device. In addition, each preferably includes and tip to facilitate vessel entry. The subject methods involve delivery of an anastomotic connector using the subject devices. The methods may be employed to deliver a side-to-side anastomosis connector or an end-to-side type connector.

Abstract: Devices and associated methods for implanting or delivering devices within vessels, lumens, ducts or other tubular organs rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The subject devices include a dilator/sheath assembly configured for operatively holding an anastomotic connector for subsequent delivery into target and graft vessels, etc. The subject methods involve the delivery of an anastomotic connector using the subject devices.

Abstract: Compositions of microspheres formed of stabilized hyaluronic acid are disclosed. The unique biological properties of hyaluronic acid provide for very inert properties when exposed to tissues. Microsphere formulations of hyaluronic acid have medical utility due to the resultant properties of flowability, physical stability, and degradability. High concentration formulations of the microspheres have utility when injected to form a localized mass within tissues by providing physical stability and anti-fibrotic biological activity, especially suitable for certain surgical reconstructions. Low concentration formulation of the microspheres of the appropriate size range have utility when injected into the blood system to delivery diagnostic and therapeutic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods for interconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprise a vessel connector and a intravascular support mechanism for establishing fluid communication between two vessels. Certain embodiments further include a sealing member for further sealing the openings in the vessels created for inserting the subject devices.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provided sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods for interconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprises at least a first segment, a second component, and a flow opening between the at least one segment and the second component when operatively used. The first segment is flexible and has physical and mechanical properties which allow it to be easily inserted into a vessel, to conformably seal with the inside wall of the vessel and to be resistant to dislodging from the vessel. The second component may comprise a second segment having the same or a similar configuration as the first segment or may be a tubular member which extends from the first segment. The first and second segments are flexible for easy insertion into an incision made within the side of each vessel.

Abstract: A method is provided for site specific delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents to a region in a fluid-filled cavity, vessel or tissue using an agent-loaded microbubble population. The population has controlled fragility characterized by a uniform wall thickness to diameter ratio which defines the discrete threshold intensity value of ultrasonic power where microbubble rupture occurs in the population. The location of the microbubble population may be monitored by ultrasound to determine its presence at the region prior to application of the ultrasonic power to rupture to microbubbles.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods forinterconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprises at least a first segment, a second component, and a flow opening between the at least one segment and the second component when operatively used. The first segment is flexible and has physical and mechanical properties which allow it to be easily inserted into a vessel, to conformably seal with the inside wall of the vessel and to be resistant to dislodging from the vessel. The second component may comprise a second segment having the same or a similar configuration as the first segment or may be a tubular member which extends from the first segment. The first and second segments are flexible for easy insertion into an incision made within the side of each vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel apparatus for the treatment of ocular disease, particularly glaucoma. The apparatus consists of a locating device to locate Schlemm's Canal within the anterior portion of the eye and a surgical tool to access the canal for treatment. The apparatus allows for guided, minimally invasive surgical access to Schlemm's Canal to enable surgical procedures to be performed on the canal and trabecular meshwork to reduce intraocular pressure. The apparatus may also deliver devices or substances to Schlemm's Canal in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: This is a subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: The present invention provides implantable devices and associated methods for interconnecting human vessels in a side-to-side or an end-to-side arrangement rapidly, safely and in a minimally invasive manner. The devices comprises at least a first segment, a second component, and a flow opening between the at least one segment and the second component when operatively used. The first segment is flexible and has physical and mechanical properties which allow it to be easily inserted into a vessel, to conformably seal with the inside wall of the vessel and to be resistant to dislodging from the vessel. The second component may comprise a second segment having the same or a similar configuration as the first segment or may be a tubular member which extends from the first segment. The first and second segments are flexible for easy insertion into an incision made within the side of each vessel.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring real time ambient pressure at a region of interest in a fluid-filled body cavity by introducing into the cavity a composition of gas-containing microbubbles having a predetermined fragility threshold correlating to the rupture response of their capsules to the ambient fluid pressure and/or applied acoustic pressure. An ultrasonic signal is applied at the region of interest at a power level sufficient to destroy the microbubble population having a fragility threshold below the applied power level. The ultrasound backscatter response is detected from the population of intact and disintegrating microbubbles remaining at the region of interest and this backscatter signal is correlated to predetermined acoustic response properties to determine the ambient pressure at the region of interest.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring real time ambient pressure at a region of interest in a fluid-filled body cavity by introducing into the cavity a composition of gas-containing microbubbles having a predetermined fragility threshold correlating to the rupture response of their capsules to the ambient fluid pressure and/or applied acoustic pressure. An ultrasonic signal is applied at the region of interest at a power level sufficient to destroy the microbubble population having a fragility threshold below the applied power level. The ultrasound backscatter response is detected from the population of intact and disintegrating microbubbles remaining at the region of interest and this backscatter signal is correlated to predetermined acoustic response properties to determine the ambient pressure at the region of interest.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.

Abstract: Bioerodible, sustained release preparations are provided for placement into the bladder through the urethra which provide sustained release of drugs. Configurations are provided which are insertable through a catheter, such as a coiled filament, patch or a flowable gel. The device is bioeroded during or after the sustained release of the drug such that there is no blockage of the urinary tract while the device is in place within the bladder.