Abstract: An implant retrieval frame for advancement of a retrieval device to snare an implant is disclosed. The frame comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first handle end and a first pivot end. The second arm has a second handle end and a second pivot end. The second pivot end is connected to the first pivot end to define a pivot axis about which the first and second arm pivotally move. The frame further comprises a connector to which the retrieval device is attached. The connector is configured to cooperate with the first and second arms to translate pivotal movement of one of the first and second arms to linear movement of the retrieval device relative to the pivot point.

Abstract: Medical devices for use in or on a mammalian body have improved properties through the use of magnetic pulse welding to join components. The improved properties include increased strength, corrosion resistance, and preservation of material characteristics. A method of forming a medical device using magnetic pulse welding is also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for implantation into a curved vessel is described. The device may be a stent with a generally curved configuration in its radially expanded state. The stent may have a first series of linkages located along a first side of the stent and a second series of linkages located along a second side of the stent. Both series of linkages interconnect structural elements of the stent. During deployment of the stent into a vessel, the second series of linkages undergo longitudinal expansion sufficient to produce a stent having a longer second side than a first side. This difference in longitudinal length between the second side and first side of the stent creates a curved configuration which conforms to the curvature of the vessel which it is implanted into.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures are used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment of one or more vascular occlusion devices via a through-and-through percutaneous procedure that leaves the vascular occlusion device or devices in a through-and-through condition.

Abstract: A method for determining material properties of internal tissues of a body, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing force measuring device, b. providing an imaging means for acquiring images of deformation or displacement of tissues inside a body cavity; c. providing a calculation means for quantifying displacement of internal tissues; d. inserting at least a portion of said probe head into the body cavity; e. applying force with said probe head against an internal body tissue; f. measuring said force applied to said internal body tissue; g. acquiring images of displacement of said internal body tissue; h. calculating said displacement of said internal body tissue; and i. calculating material properties from said measured force and said calculated displacement.

Abstract: A force measurement device and system, the device being for insertion into an internal body cavity of a human. The probe comprises (a) a probe head having a dimension suitable for insertion into the body cavity; (b) a load cell operatively connected to the probe head such that forces on the probe head are transmitted to the load cell; and (c) a relatively rigid portion joined to the probe head by a relatively flexible portion such that the probe head is flexibly joined to the relatively rigid portion and can move laterally with respect to a longitudinal center line of the relatively rigid portion.

Abstract: Methods of making coated implantable medical devices are provided. The methods include positioning a first layer comprising a bioactive on at least a portion of a structure, and positioning at least one porous layer over the first layer. The at least one porous layer has a thickness adequate to provide a controlled release of the bioactive.

Abstract: Medical devices for implantation in a body vessel are provided. A medical device according to the invention comprises a support structure and one or more graft members comprising a valve portion and a constraining portion. The support structure has a first, unexpanded configuration and a second, expanded configuration. The constraining portion is adapted to substantially prevent the support structure from achieving the second, expanded configuration. The valve portion is adapted to permit fluid flow through a body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevent fluid flow through the vessel in a second, opposite direction.

Abstract: A system and method for occluding an aneurysm formed in a dilatation area of a body vessel are disclosed. The system comprises a wire guide, a core wire, and an occlusion device. The wire guide comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and has a passageway that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The core wire comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and is disposed through the passageway so that the proximal end of the core wire proximally extends beyond the proximal end of the wire guide. The occlusion device comprises a distal end and a proximal end, and has a deployed state and an undeployed state. The occlusion device has a pre-set spiraled coil shape when in the deployed state in the vessel. The occlusion device is disposed distally from the core wire in the passageway.

Abstract: A device and method for opening a substantially flat external flange of an indwelling catheter. The device is a one-piece elongated member having configured ends formed by bending the elongated member so that one configured end is positioned slightly above the other configured end by passing the second configured end through an aperture formed inside of the member. In addition, an apparatus comprising at least the opening device and an indwelling catheter having a flat external flange is disclosed. Other embodiments of opening devices constructed and arranged to open the external flange of an indwelling catheter are also contemplated. The device is used to maintain the low profile of the external flange of the indwelling catheter and to prevent damage to the skin or body tissue surrounding the catheter flange.

Abstract: A high performance wire guide is disclosed, having a core wire and an outer member disposed about the core wire for enhanced torque transmission along a longitudinal length of the core wire. The outer member may be an outer coil wrapped around the core wire in an interference fit.

Abstract: A thrombi removal device includes a shaft with a distal end and a proximal end and a helical coil attached at one end to the distal end of the shaft and extending in the distal direction from the shaft. The coil has a plurality of body portions with turns or winding spaced apart longitudinally and laterally to facilitate screwing the coil into the thrombus and to provide a sufficient open area into which the thrombus can be captured. The distal end of the coil is provided with a loop. The angle of the loop relative to a longitudinal axis extending through the helical coil is about the same as the angle of at least one body portion.

Abstract: A tampon applicator for placing a feminine hygiene tampon into a vagina which has a tampon, a tampon housing member, a cover member, and a tampon positioning member. The tampon is partially housed within the tampon housing member. The tampon extends beyond the tampon housing member. The cover member covers at least a portion of the tampon housing member. The tampon housing member is telescopically mounted within the cover member. The tampon positioning member positions the tampon within the tampon housing member. The tampon positioning member can be disposed inside the tampon housing member and can be co-axial with the tampon. The tampon positioning member can be fixedly joined to the cover member. Alternatively, the tampon positioning member can be fixedly joined to the tampon housing member.

Abstract: A tampon applicator for positioning a tampon inside a vaginal cavity. The tampon applicator includes an outer member for housing a tampon. The outer member has a substantially rigid first section and a collapsible section adjacent to the first section. The tampon positioning member is disposed within the outer member and co-axially with the tampon for expelling the tampon from the outer member and for placing the tampon into the proper position within the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A computational model of the internal human pelvic environment. The model comprises meshed finite element regions corresponding to internal tissues or organs selected from the group consisting of pelvic muscles, vagina, vaginal walls, intestinal tissues, bowel tissues, bladder, bladder walls, cervix, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A device and method for determining location dependent biomechanical properties of internal tissues is disclosed. The device comprises an expandable probe which is insertable into an orifice of a body and into a body; a flexible conduit to conduct fluid between a fluid supply and said expandable probe; means for conducting fluid between said fluid supply and said expandable probe, said means capable of changing the volume of said expandable probe; a pressure transducer for measuring fluid pressure of said expandable probe; imaging means for detecting strain of internal tissues contacted by said expandable probe; and calculating means for determining biomechanical properties of said internal tissues.

Abstract: A computational model of the human vaginal environment is disclosed. The model comprises finite element analysis software, segmented tissue regions, at least one defined material parameter for each of said segmented tissue regions, and at least one boundary condition for each of said segmented tissue regions. At least one of the boundary conditions is subject to physiological condition changes and the model comprises computing means for manipulating the material parameters and the boundary conditions with the finite element analysis software.

Abstract: The present invention involves a removable filter for capturing thrombi in a blood vessel. The filter comprises a plurality of primary struts and a plurality of secondary struts. The plurality of primary struts has first ends attached together along a longitudinal axis. Each primary strut has an arcuate segment extending from the first end to an anchoring hook. The primary struts are configured to move between an expanded state for engaging the anchoring hooks with the blood vessel and a collapsed state for filter retrieval or delivery. Each primary strut is configured to cross another primary strut along the longitudinal axis in the collapsed state such that each anchoring hook faces the longitudinal axis away from the blood vessel for filter retrieval or delivery. The plurality of secondary struts has connected ends attached together along the longitudinal axis. The secondary struts extend therefrom to free ends to centralize the filter in the expanded in the blood vessel.

Abstract: Delivery systems for self-expanding devices are provided having a system proximal portion with a handle, an elongate middle section delivery device with an outer sheath and inner compression member, and a system distal portion including an outer guide channel member with first and second end portions defining a guide channel that slidably receives an inner guide channel member having a guide channel, the guide channels being substantially aligned. A mounting region for self-expanding devices is disposed radially between the inner and outer guide channel members. The outer guide channel member has a stepped profile from a first outer diameter to a second smaller outer diameter located near a transition region having a breech position opening for passage of a wire guide, catheter, or other medical instrument. The outer member is axially slideable relative to the inner member to deploy a self-expanding device. Methods of using and manufacturing are also provided.

Abstract: Prosthetic valve devices for implantation in body vessels are provided. The prosthetic valve device includes at least one flexible member that permits fluid flow in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow in a second. The valve device also includes an inflatable chamber at least partially attached to the flexible member. The inflatable chamber is adapted to receive inflating media and is adapted to contact the body vessel. A delivery system is also provided that includes a valve device and a delivery apparatus. The delivery apparatus includes a member adapted for filling the chamber of the valve device with inflating media. A related method of making the valve device is also provided.