Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including implanting an aortic pressure-loss-reduction device (20) in a subject's ascending aorta. While the device is inside a catheter (42), a distal end of the catheter is placed within the ascending aorta. A proximal covering sheath (44) of the catheter is retracted such as to uncover at least a portion of a downstream anchor (31), 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 (45) of the catheter is advanced, such as to cause an upstream anchor (33) to anchor an upstream end device (20) to the subject's ascending aorta, by the upstream anchor radially expending against an inner wall of the ascending aorta. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A system for dilating a stenosed vessel is provided. The system includes a balloon mounted on a catheter shaft, the balloon being composed of a first material and fibers forming a grid attached to a surface of the balloon or integrated within a wall thereof. The fibers are composed of a second material having less elasticity than the first material such that when the balloon is inflated beyond a predetermined pressure balloon regions protrude from the grid formed by the fibers.

Abstract: A balloon catheter and methods of using same are provided. The balloon catheter can include an expandable structure mounted over a balloon coated with a composition. The expandable structure includes a plurality of axial struts crossing a plurality of radially-expandable rings for constraining the balloon such that isolated balloon regions can protrude through openings in the expandable structure when the balloon is inflated. The balloon catheter can be configured to maximize scraping of the composition from the surface of the balloon by the struts of the expandable structure during balloon inflation.

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: 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 liquid drug delivery formulation forms a foam when combined with a gas source. The formulation includes water, at least one hydrophilic solvent, at least one surfactant or foaming agent, and a drug particle which is a mixture of a therapeutic agent and an excipient. The formulations are useful for delivering foams to body cavities and lumens, such as the sinuses for treating sinusitis and other conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an implantable device shaped to define (a) at least two artery-contact regions, the artery-contact regions comprising struts that are configured to stretch an arterial wall by applying pressure to the arterial wall, and (b) at least two crimping regions that comprise locking mechanisms configured to prevent the crimping regions from becoming crimped due to pressure from the wall of the artery on the artery-contact regions. The crimping regions are configured to be crimped during insertion of the device, via a catheter, by the locking mechanisms being unlocked during insertion of the device. Other embodiments 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, including a stent configured to be placed in a lumen. The stent includes a generally cylindrical stent body comprising a plurality of struts, and a plurality of antenna posts protruding longitudinally from an end of the stent body. Each of the antenna posts includes a proximal and distal portions, each of which is configured to be generally straight in the absence of any force being applied to the antenna post, and a compliant junction disposed between the proximal and distal portions, the proximal and distal portions being configured to flex with respect to one another about the compliant junction. An antenna is disposed annularly on the distal portions of the antenna posts, such that the antenna posts separate the antenna from the end of the stent body. Other applications are also described.

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: 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: 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: An angioplasty catheter has a catheter body having a balloon or other radially expandable shell at its distal end. A non-axial external structure is carried over the shell and scores a stenosed region in a blood vessel when the balloon is inflated therein. The catheter has an attachment structure disposed between the catheter body and the balloon to accommodate foreshortening and rotation of the external structure as the balloon is expanded. The external structure may be part of a helical cage structure which floats over the balloon.

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: 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 device for controlling blood flow through a vein is provided. The device includes a device body configured for implantation in or around the vein. The device body is capable of reducing flow through the vein in response to an increase in tissue pressure around the vein.

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: 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: 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: 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.