Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing blood perfusion within the myocardium of the heart by wounding the myocardium and applying growth factors to promote vascularization. One method includes driving spikes into the myocardium from within the heart, with the spikes being formed of biodegradable material, containing releasable growth factors, and having lumens and side holes. An alternative method utilizes non-biodegradable spikes with lumens and side holes. Another method promotes vascularization by injecting angiogenic material into holes bored into the myocardium, leaving a patent hole. Another method includes injecting angiogenic material into the myocardium without boring, leaving no patent hole. The angiogenic material can be carried in a biodegradable adhesive. Revascularization of the myocardium is promoted in one method by externally wounding the heart and applying a patch including growth factors.

Abstract: An improved deployment system deploys a stent to maintain the patency of a dilated vessel. The improved stent deployment system is adapted for deployment with a balloon catheter. The stent deployment system includes an expandable stent sheath for supporting the stent for deployment. The stent sheath is movably coupled to a catheter shaft and is relatively short in comparison to the catheter shaft. The stent sheath is movably coupled to the catheter shaft for movement between a retracted position and an advanced deployment position aligned with the balloon for expansion via the balloon for deployment of the stent supported thereby.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which includes an over-the-wire type balloon catheter with a guide wire wherein the catheter includes a polyethylene inner tube and an outer tube having a relatively stiff proximal outer section, a midshaft section of lesser stiffness, and a tapering distal outer section of the least stiffness. An inflatable balloon is connected to the distal ends of the inner tube and the outer tube. The guide wire may be removed from and inserted into the guide wire lumen at either end of the catheter.

Abstract: A convertible catheter assembly for performing an intravascular procedure incorporates a guide wire lumen having at least a proximal segment thereof manufactured from a collapsible tubular member. The catheter assembly includes a full length guide wire lumen and an intermediate guide wire port therein so that the catheter may be utilized in a single operator exchange or an over-the-wire mode. The collapsible proximal segment of the guide wire lumen decreases the overall profile of the catheter by collapsing radially inward when not in use during a single operator exchange procedure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for increasing blood perfusion within the myocardium of the heart by wounding the myocardium and applying growth factors to promote vascularization. One method includes driving spikes into the myocardium from within the heart, with the spikes being formed of biodegradable material, containing releasable growth factors, and having lumens and side holes. An alternative method utilizes non-biodegradable spikes with lumens and side holes. Another method promotes vascularization by injecting angiogenic material into holes bored into the myocardium, leaving a patent hole. Another method includes injecting angiogenic material into the myocardium without boring, leaving no patent hole. The angiogenic material can be carried in a biodegradable adhesive. Revascularization of the myocardium is promoted in one method by externally wounding the heart and applying a patch including growth factors.

Abstract: A variable length balloon catheter is provided. The balloon catheter includes a catheter shaft having a distal portion, a balloon and an adjustment device. The balloon is in fluid communication with a distal end of the catheter shaft. The adjustment device includes an outer sleeve and an attachment structure. The outer sleeve is configured to be generally co-axially received over the distal portion of the catheter shaft and includes a distal end configured to restrict inflation proximal the distal end. Further, the outer sleeve is configured such that at least a portion of the outer sleeve is slidable relative to the distal portion of the catheter shaft such that a distal end of the outer sleeve relative to the balloon can be varied.