Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.

Abstract: A solid embolic material that is capable of filling irregularly shaped and asymmetrical vascular defects in a controlled and predictable manner, without the difficulties associated with delivery of the embolic material through a microcatheter and containment of the embolic material in a defect. A detachable embolic balloon with optional check valve for maintaining liquid in the balloon prior to curing and optional multi-leaflet covering to prevent the balloon from expanding into the native vascular lumen.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing a foreign object from a body lumen are disclosed. An embolectomy device can include a filter basket having a plurality of filter struts forming a cage-like structure that can be expanded to circumferentially surround the incoming foreign object. A support frame including a proximal hoop and one or more rail members may be employed to support the filter basket. The support frame and filter basket can be coupled to a pusher wire that can be used to manipulate the device within the body. In certain embodiments, the filter struts may vary in thickness to impart a desired flexibility characteristic to the device. Methods of manufacturing such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid embolic material that is capable of filling irregularly shaped and asymmetrical vascular defects in a controlled and predictable manner, without the difficulties associated with delivery of the embolic material through a microcatheter and containment of the embolic material in a defect. A detachable embolic balloon with optional check valve for maintaining liquid in the balloon prior to curing and optional multi-leaflet covering to prevent the balloon from expanding into the native vascular lumen.

Abstract: A single lumen balloon-tipped micro catheter, wherein the distal portion of the shaft is reinforced and extends into the balloon to eliminate abrupt transitions in stiffness in the balloon region. The balloon may be formed of a thermoplastic polyisoprene rubber such as hydrogenated polyisoprene which has superior performance and manufacturing attributes.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a catheter shaft, at least a portion of which defines a medical device receiving region, and at least one sleeve. The at least one sleeve comprises a tubular member constructed and arranged to transition between an extended state and a retracted state. The tubular member has a first portion being engaged to a portion of the catheter shaft adjacent to the medical device receiving region. In the extended state a second portion is constructed and arranged to at least partially overlay the medical device receiving region. In the retraced state the second portion is removed from about the medical device receiving region. At least one of the first portion and the second portion of the tubular member are at least partially constructed from a shape memory material.

Abstract: An intravascular drug delivery balloon catheter incorporating a highly compliant balloon having a plurality of infusion holes. The highly compliant balloon elastically expands at a low inflation pressure (e.g., less than 1.0 ATM), and preferably has a compliance of 2.0 mm/ATM or more at pressures less than 2.0 ATM. A pressure relief valve may be incorporated into the catheter to avoid over pressurization. The infusion holes may be open when the balloon is deflated and may enlarge when the balloon is inflated. The balloon may define a single lobe or two inflatable lobes with the infusion holes disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for occluding a vascular site. A catheter having a highly distensible occlusion balloon detachably mounted at a distal end thereof is provided to the vascular site and at least partially filled with an aqueous balloon inflation fluid which allows the balloon placement to be imaged. The balloon is porous to the aqueous inflation fluid and the inflation fluid is gradually displaced through the balloon pores by a liquid filling composition which is solidifiable on contact with the aqueous inflation fluid to produce a mass to which the balloon is nonporous. The filing composition is injected to bring the balloon wall into contact with the vessel wall at the vascular site. The balloon is detached from the catheter after the filling composition has at least substantially solidified and the catheter removed from the body.

Abstract: Improved intravascular balloon catheters for the delivery of embolic agents and devices such as coils to wide-neck aneurysms. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon catheter having a combined guide wire/delivery lumen and a lateral delivery hole. The balloon may comprise a multi-lobed design with the delivery hole disposed between adjacent balloon lobes. The balloon catheter preferably includes a diversion member disposed in the combined lumen to cause the embolic device to divert from the combined lumen, through the delivery hole, and into the wide-neck aneurysm. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon catheter having a shaft including a shaft tube and a co-extending embolic delivery tube. The delivery tube terminates proximal of the distal end of the shaft tube for added flexibility, and the balloon may inflate eccentrically to push the distal opening of the delivery lumen adjacent the opening of the wide-neck aneurysm.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for occluding a vascular site. A catheter having a highly distensible occlusion balloon detachably mounted at a distal end thereof; is provided to the vascular site and at least partially filled with an aqueous balloon inflation fluid which allows the balloon placement to be imaged. The balloon is porous to the aqueous inflation fluid and the inflation fluid is gradually displaced through the balloon pores by a liquid filling composition which is solidifiable on contact with the aqueous inflation fluid to produce a mass to which the balloon is nonporous. The filling composition is injected to bring the balloon wall into contact with the vessel wall at the vascular site. The balloon is detached from the catheter after the filling composition has at least substantially solidified and the catheter removed from the body.

Abstract: An intravascular drug delivery balloon catheter incorporating a highly compliant balloon having a plurality of infusion holes. The highly compliant balloon elastically expands at a low inflation pressure (e.g., less than 1.0 ATM), and preferably has a compliance of 2.0 mm/ATM or more at pressures less than 2.0 ATM. A pressure relief valve may be incorporated into the catheter to avoid over pressurization. The infusion holes may be open when the balloon is deflated and may enlarge when the balloon is inflated. The balloon may define a single lobe or two inflatable lobes with the infusion holes disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Improved intravascular balloon catheters for the delivery of embolic agents and devices such as coils to wide-neck aneurysms. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon catheter having a combined guide wire/delivery lumen and a lateral delivery hole. The balloon may comprise a multi-lobed design with the delivery hole disposed between adjacent balloon lobes. The balloon catheter preferably includes a diversion member disposed in the combined lumen to cause the embolic device to divert from the combined lumen, through the delivery hole, and into the wide-neck aneurysm. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon catheter having a shaft including a shaft tube and a co-extending embolic delivery tube. The delivery tube terminates proximal of the distal end of the shaft tube for added flexibility, and the balloon may inflate eccentrically to push the distal opening of the delivery lumen adjacent the opening of the wide-neck aneurysm.