Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. The apparatus comprises a catheter in communication with an end effector which induces a temperature rise in an annulus of tissue surrounding the leaflets of a valve or in the chordae tendineae sufficient to cause shrinkage, thereby causing the valves to close more tightly. Mechanical clips can also be implanted over the valve either alone or after the thermal treatment. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel includes an inner member slidable within an outer member, and a balloon coupled to distal ends of the inner and outer members. A proximal end of the outer member includes a port for delivering fluid into the balloon, and a cylinder that communicates with the port. A piston coupled to the inner member is slidable and biased to move distally within the cylinder. The apparatus is introduced into the puncture until the collapsed balloon is disposed within the vessel. Fluid is introduced into the port, moving the inner member proximally to shorten the balloon as it expands. The balloon is withdrawn to seal the puncture, and a hydrogel is introduced into the puncture. Fluid is removed via the port, moving the inner member distally to extend the balloon as it collapses, and the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device disposed on a guidewire comprises a support hoop disposed from a suspension strut. Alternately, a support hoop having an articulation region may be directly connected to a region proximate the distal end of the guidewire. A blood permeable sac is affixed to the support hoop to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The support hoop is disposed obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of the guidewire and is capable of being properly used in a wide range of vessel diameters. The vascular device collapses during removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac. A delivery sheath and introducer sheath for use with the vascular device of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli or removing thrombus from a vessel, wherein a vascular device comprises a vascular filter for capturing emboli and optionally, a thrombectomy element for excising or ablating thrombus. The vascular filter comprises a support hoop having one or more articulation regions connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac. In a preferred embodiment, the thrombectomy element also comprises a vascular filter support hoop, and may include filter frame, locking feature or tensioning thread.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for use in removing thrombus from a vessel, wherein a vascular device comprises an thrombectomy element for excising or ablating thrombus and a vascular filter for capturing emboli generated during removal of the thrombus. The vascular filter comprises a support hoop having an articulation region connected near a distal end of a guide wire, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop so that the support hoop forms a mouth of the blood permeable sac. In a preferred embodiment, the thrombectomy element comprises a second support hoop and blood permeable sac attached to the guide wire proximal of the vascular filter support hoop.