Abstract: Systems and methods for performing aspiration thrombectomy. The aspiration catheter assembly can include a support catheter and an aspiration catheter extending through the support catheter. The catheter assembly can include a distal valve apparatus that can control a level of vacuum at a distal end of the catheter system. Irrigation can flow between the support catheter and the aspiration catheter to flush the catheter assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including implanting an aortic pressure-loss-reduction device in a subject's ascending aorta. A frame of the device includes a first set of sinusoidal struts disposed between a downstream end of an upstream anchor and an upstream end of the intermediate portion, the sinusoidal struts being shaped to form a folded portion between the downstream end of the upstream anchor and the upstream end of the intermediate portion. The frame includes a second set of sinusoidal struts disposed between an upstream end of a downstream anchor and a downstream end of the intermediate portion, the sinusoidal struts being shaped to form a folded portion between the upstream end of the downstream anchor and the downstream end of the intermediate portion. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for the treatment of edema. In one aspect a method for implanting an indwelling catheter within a vein of a patient is provided. The catheter can extend from a position upstream of at least one outflow port of a duct of the lymph system to a terminal position downstream of the at least one outflow port. In use, a first restriction can be created within the vein proximal to a distal region of the catheter. The first restriction can define a localized low pressure zone distal of the restriction and within a portion of the vein housing the catheter. The low pressure zone can be adjacent to the at least one outflow port to enable fluid to pass from the at least one lymph duct outflow port into the vein.

Abstract: A tissue anchoring device including an expandable frame and at least one anchor having a tissue penetrating portion. The anchor is attached to the expandable frame through a plurality of beams forming a frame or a tab that enable the anchor to elastically bend with respect to a longitudinal axis of the expandable frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including implanting an aortic pressure-loss-reduction device in a subject's ascending aorta. While the device is inside a catheter, a distal end of the catheter is placed within the ascending aorta. A proximal covering sheath of the catheter is retracted such as to uncover at least a portion of a downstream anchor, such that the uncovered portion of the downstream anchor includes a portion of the frame that does not have material coupled thereto. Subsequently, a distal covering sheath of the catheter is advanced, such as to cause an upstream anchor to anchor an upstream end device to the subject's ascending aorta, by the upstream anchor radially expanding against an inner wall of the ascending aorta. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for treating pulmonary edema. In general, a pump can be configured to be implanted within a patient at risk of developing edema. The pump can be configured to pump fluid out of the patient’s lungs, e.g., out of the patient’s interstitial and alveolar spaces. The pump can be configured to be fully implanted within the patient’s body. The pump can be configured to continuously pump fluid, or the pump can be configured to be selectively actuatable in response to a trigger event. In an exemplary embodiment, the pump can include an inflow port coupled to an inflow tube in fluid communication with a lymphatic vessel of the patient, and can include an outflow port coupled to an outflow tube in fluid communication with a vein of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable apparatus and methods of use thereof for treating congestive heart failure. An apparatus of this invention may be anchored by implantation of a section of the apparatus within in a branch pulmonary artery, for example the left pulmonary artery, which then positions and anchors another section, for example a device frame section of the apparatus within the main pulmonary artery. A medical device may be attached to the anchored device frame.

Abstract: The acute and chronic devices and methods described herein include a body lumen fluid flow modulator including an upstream flow accelerator and a downstream flow decelerator. The fluid flow modulator preferably includes one or more openings that define a gap/entrainment region that provides a pathway through which additional fluid from a branch lumen(s) is entrained into the fluid stream flowing from the upstream flow accelerator to the downstream flow decelerator. Delivery devices including a sheath and inner assembly also are provided for delivering the flow modulator to the body lumen. The delivery device may maintain the flow modulator in its collapsed, delivery state upon retraction of the sheath for ease of readjustment within the body lumen prior to full deployment of the flow modulator within the body lumen.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for treating pulmonary edema. In general, a pump can be configured to be implanted within a patient at risk of developing edema. The pump can be configured to pump fluid out of the patient's lungs, e.g., out of the patient's interstitial and alveolar spaces. The pump can be configured to be fully implanted within the patient's body. The pump can be configured to continuously pump fluid, or the pump can be configured to be selectively actuatable in response to a trigger event. In an exemplary embodiment, the pump can include an inflow port coupled to an inflow tube in fluid communication with a lymphatic vessel of the patient, and can include an outflow port coupled to an outflow tube in fluid communication with a vein of the patient.

Abstract: A constraining structure for use with a balloon catheter can include multiple longitudinal struts and multiple, sinusoidal shaped radial rings. The constraining structure can expand to form a pattern of channels including substantially square windows. The constraining structure can modify, restrict, and control a shape and/or size of the balloon when inflated. Inflating the balloon catheter within the constraining structure can provide nonuniform pressure on a vessel wall adjacent the balloon.

Abstract: Apparatus for passing a blocked vein, including: (a) an intravascular catheter body defining at least one lumen; (b) a radially expandable anchor at a distal end of said catheter; and (c) a penetration tool sized and shaped to be delivered by the lumen to a point distal of the expandable anchor, the penetration tool including a tip and configured for being pushed through venous blockage more than one week old and present with a young's modulus greater than 1 MPa. Optionally, the penetration tool tip comprises a sharpened tip. Optionally or additionally, the penetration tool tip is controllably bendable.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon having an elastic constraining structure that partially expands with the balloon so that, at maximum balloon inflation, the constraining structure forms a pattern of channels or “pillows” on the balloon.

Abstract: A tissue anchoring device including an expandable frame and at least one anchor having a tissue penetrating portion. The anchor is attached to the expandable frame through a plurality of beams forming a frame or a tab that enable the anchor to elastically bend with respect to a longitudinal axis of the expandable frame.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing aspiration thrombectomy. The aspiration catheter assembly can include a support catheter and an aspiration catheter extending through the support catheter. The catheter assembly can include a distal valve apparatus that can control a level of vacuum at a distal end of the catheter system. Irrigation can flow between the support catheter and the aspiration catheter to flush the catheter assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an implantable device having first and second longitudinal ends, the device having a length of less than 80 mm when the device is unconstrained. The device includes struts arranged such that, when the device is unconstrained, along a continuous portion of the device having a length that is at least 5 mm, a maximum inter-strut distance defined by any set of two adjacent struts is more than 1.5 times as great as a maximum inter-strut distance defined by any set of two adjacent struts within longitudinal portions of the device within 3 mm of the longitudinal ends of the device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a stent configured to be placed in a lumen. The stent includes a generally cylindrical stent body including a plurality of struts, at least one electrode post protruding from the stent body, and a plurality of antenna posts protruding longitudinally from an end of the stent body. The antenna posts are longitudinally separated from the electrode post. An antenna is disposed annularly on the antenna posts, such that the antenna posts separate the antenna from the end of the stent body, and at least one electrode is coupled to the stent by being placed on the electrode post. Additional embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system for retrieving material or objects from a biological vessel is provided. the system includes an elongated braid structure configured for transitioning between collapsed and expanded states, the elongated braid structure surrounding a lumen having a distal opening when in the expanded state. The system further includes a closure wire positioned along a length of the elongated braid structure, the closure wire being actuatable to pull inward a distal portion of the elongated braid structure and thereby at least partially close the distal opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an aortic pressure-loss-reduction device (20) configured to be implanted inside an ascending aorta of a subject. The aortic pressure-loss-reduction device includes a frame (52) that defines an upstream anchor portion (56UF), an intermediate portion (23F) configured to define a conduit (26) therethrough, and a downstream anchor portion (56DF). Angled struts (150) are disposed between a downstream end of the upstream anchor portion (56UF) and an upstream end of the intermediate portion (23F). The angled struts (150) are configured such that, in response to a diameter of the upstream anchor portion (56UF) changing by an absolute amount, an absolute change in a diameter of the upstream end of the intermediate portion (23F) is less than the absolute amount by which the diameter of the upstream anchor portion (56 UF) changes. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A new medical apparatus for deployment within an anatomical blood vessel and methods of use thereof. The apparatus comprising: a first tubular wall; and a second tubular wall, placed within the first tubular wall; wherein the first and second tubular walls are firmly connected at their edges, therefore restricted to have same overall longitudinal length; and wherein the second tubular wall is configured to be partially constricted towards its inner radial axis, while maintaining its overall longitudinal length.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for regulating blood flow in an ascending aorta of a subject including inserting a device into the ascending aorta. When in a deployed state, the device defines an inner surface that defines a conduit through the device, at least a portion of the inner surface diverging, such that a cross-sectional area of the conduit at the downstream end of the diverging portion is greater than a cross-sectional area of the conduit at the upstream end of the diverging portion. The device is deployed within a longitudinal portion of the ascending aorta, such that the device defines the conduit throughout deployment of the device within the longitudinal portion of the ascending aorta. Other applications are also described.