Abstract: A closure system and methods of use are provided for use in sealing an opening in a body tissue, such as a vascular puncture site. A method of closing the opening in the body tissue can be performed with the closure system having a closure clip. The method can include positioning the closure clip in a first closure clip position adjacent to the opening in the body tissue such that a plurality of spikes of the closure clip are inserted into the tissue at a location outward from a central axis of the opening. Subsequently, the closure clip can be positioned in a second closure clip position such that the plurality of spikes are pulled inward toward the central axis of the opening so as to pull the tissue between the opening and each of the spikes together and close the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a clip to close an opening through tissue includes a sheath and a carrier assembly including a clip therein that is slidable on the sheath. An actuator assembly is connectable to the sheath, and telescoping actuator members extend from the handle that are connectable to the carrier assembly for advancing the carrier assembly along the sheath. An obturator on the actuator assembly includes splines that may be deployed beyond a distal end of the sheath, and expanded to a transverse expanded configuration for positioning the sheath before deploying the clip. The actuator members include cooperating detents that selectively release the actuator members as the carrier assembly reaches predetermined positions along the sheath for deploying the clip from the carrier assembly, and that collapse the splines to allow removal of the apparatus after deploying the clip.

Abstract: A catheter system for localized or semi-localized administration of agents through the wall of a blood vessel is provided. Various catheter system constructions which use at least one expandable occluding device to create an isolated region are provided. Constructions using one catheter and one occlusion device are provided, along with constructions using two catheters and multiple occlusion devices. The catheter system may include a catheter with a variable stiffness along its length. The catheter system may also include a guide wire integrated with an inner catheter. The catheter can infuse the agent into the blood vessel in a pressure regulated manner. Methods for delivery and infusion of the agent within a blood vessel are also provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a vascular catheter sheath for use with a therapeutic catheter having a radially expandable member. The catheter sheath includes a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen adapted to receive the therapeutic catheter. The catheter body further includes a compliant portion near the distal end, with the compliant portion being adaptable to conform to the shape of the expandable member when the expandable member is radially expanded in the lumen.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a vascular catheter sheath for use with a therapeutic catheter having a radially expandable member. The catheter sheath includes a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen adapted to receive the therapeutic catheter. The catheter body further includes a compliant portion near the distal end, with the compliant portion being adaptable to conform to the shape of the expandable member when the expandable member is radially expanded in the lumen.

Abstract: A flexible drive cable comprises a flexible cable body, a pair of electrically insulated wires disposed through an axial lumen of the cable body, and a resilient support tube disposed over the wire pair. The resilient support tube provides support for the wire pair to help the wire pair recover from bending and deformation which may occur during storage or use of the drive cable. The support tube is usually liquid impermeable to maintain an air gap around the wire pair. The air gap improves shielding and maintains a constant overall impedance across the drive cable. The drive cable may be combined with an ultrasonic transducer at its distal end to form an ultrasonic transmission core.