Abstract: An elastic band ligation device enables a clinician to deploy multiple ligation bands without an assistant and without the need for an external aspirator. A ligation band may be loaded onto a distal end of the ligation device using a detachable loading device, and a pusher may be provided to advance the band from the loading device onto the ligation device. Kits may be provided, for enabling the loading of two or three or more successive ligation bands onto a common ligation device in a single procedure. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of transseptal crossing to permit introduction of large bore catheters into to the left atrium, such as to deploy left atrial appendage closure devices or to repair or replace a mitral valve. The method may include the steps of providing a single pass, large bore transseptal crossing system, having a tubular access cannula and an energy delivery wire movably extending through the tubular access cannula. A first electrode tip on the energy delivery wire is brought into contact with a fossa ovalis and energized. The energy delivery wire and cannula are advanced into the left atrium. A large bore sheath is advanced directly over the access cannula and into the left atrium. The cannula and energy delivery wire are removed, and a large bore index procedure catheter may be advanced through the large bore sheath and into the left atrium.

Abstract: An elastic band ligation device enables a clinician to deploy multiple ligation bands without an assistant and without the need for an external aspirator. A ligation band may be loaded onto a distal end of the ligation device using a detachable loading device, and a pusher may be provided to advance the band from the loading device onto the ligation device. Kits may be provided, for enabling the loading of two or three or more successive ligation bands onto a common ligation device in a single procedure. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A single pass, large bore transseptal crossing catheter system is disclosed. An elongate, flexible tubular body has a proximal end, a distal end and an electrically conductive sidewall defining a central lumen. An insulation layer surrounds the sidewall and leaves exposed a first distal electrode tip. An inner conductive wire is provided, having a second distal electrode tip. The inner wire is axially movably extendable through the central lumen. A tubular insulation layer is provided in between the wire and the electrically conductive sidewall.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. Each aperture may be defined within a radiopaque reinforcing ring embedded within the tubular body. A first set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings may be separated axially from a second set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings and may be connected by a flexible hinge section.

Abstract: A single pass, large bore transseptal crossing catheter system is disclosed. An elongate, flexible tubular body has a proximal end, a distal end and an electrically conductive sidewall defining a central lumen. An insulation layer surrounds the sidewall and leaves exposed a first distal electrode tip. An inner conductive wire is provided, having a second distal electrode tip. The inner wire is axially movably extendable through the central lumen. A tubular insulation layer is provided in between the wire and the electrically conductive sidewall.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. A method of crossing a chronic total occlusion includes the steps of advancing the reentry catheter across the occlusion via a channel formed in the subintimal space, and advancing a guidewire via a selected exit port into the native lumen distally of the occlusion. The catheter may be removed, leaving the guidewire across the occlusion to guide further interventional devices.

Abstract: A drive roller assembly for a conveyor system includes a drive roller having a longitudinal axis, the drive roller having a roller body and a shaft. A support structure rotatably supports a second axial end portion of the shaft and a drive for rotatably driving the drive roller. A first axial end portion of the shaft and the drive are rotatably coupled in an axially engaged condition in which the drive roller is in rotatable engagement with the drive and in which the drive is axially releasable. The support is configured and adapted to be detachably attached to an attachment portion of the support structure to maintain the drive roller rotatably supported when attached and to allow the drive roller to be removed from the support structure when detached.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. A method of crossing a chronic total occlusion includes the steps of advancing the reentry catheter across the occlusion via a channel formed in the subintimal space, and advancing a guidewire via a selected exit port into the native lumen distally of the occlusion. The catheter may be removed, leaving the guidewire across the occlusion to guide further interventional devices.

Abstract: Intravascular catheters with fluoroscopically visible indicium of rotational orientation. The catheter includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and a tubular side wall defining at least one lumen extending therethrough. At least first and second opposing pairs of radiopaque rings are embedded in the side wall, spaced axially apart from each other. A first transverse axis extending through the first pair of rings is rotationally offset from a second transverse axis extending through the second pair of rings. The rings may be supported by a subassembly integrated into the wall of the catheter. The subassembly may include a tubular body having a plurality of aperture portions connected by intervening hinge portions. In one implementation, the catheter is a reentry catheter.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. Each aperture may be defined within a radiopaque reinforcing ring embedded within the tubular body. A first set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings may be separated axially from a second set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings and may be connected by a flexible hinge section.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically enabled introducer sheath, such as for crossing a septum into a left atrium and guiding a large bore catheter across the septum and into the left atrium. The sheath includes an elongate, flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and an electrically conductive sidewall defining a central lumen. A tubular insulation layer surrounds the sidewall and leaves exposed an annular conductive surface at the distal end. The tubular body has a proximal hub, having at least one access port in communication with the central lumen and a connector in electrical communication with the conductive sidewall. The central lumen is configured to receive a radio frequency conducting wire, to facilitate crossing the septum.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of transseptal crossing to permit introduction of large bore catheters into to the left atrium, such as to deploy left atrial appendage closure devices or to repair or replace a mitral valve. The method may include the steps of providing a single pass, large bore transseptal crossing system, having a tubular access cannula and an energy delivery wire movably extending through the tubular access cannula. A first electrode tip on the energy delivery wire is brought into contact with a fossa ovalis and energized. The energy delivery wire and cannula are advanced into the left atrium. A large bore sheath is advanced directly over the access cannula and into the left atrium. The cannula and energy delivery wire are removed, and a large bore index procedure catheter may be advanced through the large bore sheath and into the left atrium.

Abstract: A single pass, large bore transseptal crossing catheter system is disclosed. An elongate, flexible tubular body has a proximal end, a distal end and an electrically conductive sidewall defining a central lumen. An insulation layer surrounds the sidewall and leaves exposed a first distal electrode tip. An inner conductive wire is provided, having a second distal electrode tip. The inner wire is axially movably extendable through the central lumen. A tubular insulation layer is provided in between the wire and the electrically conductive sidewall.

Abstract: A reentry catheter for crossing a vascular occlusion includes an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending there through. A reentry zone on the tubular body includes at least two and preferably three sets of opposing pairs of axially spaced exit apertures in communication with the lumen. The apertures are rotationally offset from each other and aligned in a spiral pattern around the tubular body. Each aperture may be defined within a radiopaque reinforcing ring embedded within the tubular body. A first set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings may be separated axially from a second set of opposing pairs of reinforcing rings and may be connected by a flexible hinge section.

Abstract: A drive roller assembly for a conveyor system includes a drive roller having a longitudinal axis, the drive roller having a roller body and a shaft. A support structure rotatably supports a second axial end portion of the shaft and a drive for rotatably driving the drive roller. A first axial end portion of the shaft and the drive are rotatably coupled in an axially engaged condition in which the drive roller is in rotatable engagement with the drive and in which the drive is axially releasable. The support is configured and adapted to be detachably attached to an attachment portion of the support structure to maintain the drive roller rotatably supported when attached and to allow the drive roller to be removed from the support structure when detached.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a belt conveyor system includes a tension roller having a roller body and an axial shaft, a support frame for supporting the tension roller on first and second axial end portions of the shaft, and an abutment device articulated to the support frame and configured and adapted for movement between a first position in abutment against axial end portions of the shaft of the tension roller to locate the tension roller in an operative position relative to the support frame, and a second position in which the abutment means is withdrawn from axial end portions of the shaft of the tension roller such that the tension roller is movable to a release position.

Abstract: Various polymeric materials and delivery systems are described, along with systems and methods for using them for bone and tissue augmentation, such as for the stabilization and/or correction of spinal compression fractures.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a belt conveyor system includes a tension roller having a roller body and an axial shaft, a support frame for supporting the tension roller on first and second axial end portions of the shaft, and an abutment device articulated to the support frame and configured and adapted for movement between a first position in abutment against axial end portions of the shaft of the tension roller to locate the tension roller in an operative position relative to the support frame, and a second position in which the abutment means is withdrawn from axial end portions of the shaft of the tension roller such that the tension roller is movable to a release position.

Abstract: A drive roller assembly for a conveyor system includes a drive roller having a longitudinal axis, the drive roller having a roller body and a shaft. A support structure rotatably supports a second axial end portion of the shaft and a drive for rotatably driving the drive roller. A first axial end portion of the shaft and the drive are rotatably coupled in an axially engaged condition in which the drive roller is in rotatable engagement with the drive and in which the drive is axially releasable. The support is configured and adapted to be detachably attached to an attachment portion of the support structure to maintain the drive roller rotatably supported when attached and to allow the drive roller to be removed from the support structure when detached.