Abstract: A clamp (10) having at least first and second elongate clamping portions (2, 4) adapted to be placed on opposite sides of the hollow anatomical structure (40). The first and second elongate clamping portions (2, 4) respectively include ends coupled together with respective resilient urging members (6, 8) configured to urge at least one of the first and second elongate clamping portions (2, 4) toward the other of the first and second elongate clamping portions (2, 4) from an open position into a clamping position to occlude the hollow anatomical structure (40). The clamp (10) is shaped annularly such that it may surround the hollow anatomical structure (40) in the open position and reorient into a flattened shape in the clamping position to occlude the hollow interior of the hollow anatomical structure (40). Apparatus of the invention further include clamp delivery and actuation devices (80, 200) adapted to deploy the clamp (10).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding an anatomical structure including a device having at least first and second clamp portions adapted to cooperate to move from an open position adjacent an anatomical structure to a closed position engaging and occluding the anatomical structure. A system for delivery of a fluid to affect occlusion of an anatomical structure is provided, as well as an applicator for deploying occlusion devices having different sizes.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent includes a first stent section and a second stent section. The first stent section is balloon expandable, has an unexpanded configuration, an expanded configuration, and a tubular wall defining a secondary opening. The secondary stent section is self-expanding and an end of the secondary stent section is engaged to a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section defining the secondary opening. The secondary stent section has an unexpanded configuration with a first length and an expanded configuration with a second length where the first length is less than the second length. The secondary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration after the primary stent section is expanded to the expanded configuration. The secondary stent section forms a portion of the tubular wall of the primary stent section in the unexpanded configuration.

Abstract: A method of refinishing a wall containing lead paint includes the steps of covering the wall with a series of barrier boards impermeable to lead dust, sealing joints between the barrier boards so as to prevent the passage of lead dust and installing finishing panels over the series of barrier boards. A lead abatement system is also provided including a series of barrier boards, joint tape and finishing panels.

Abstract: An emboli filter for deployment in a body lumen to capture emboli entrained in a fluid flowing through the lumen includes a flexible elongated member sized to be passed through the lumen. A filter media is carried on and substantially surrounding the elongated member. The filter media has a first end secured to the elongated member adjacent the distal end. A second end of the filter media has a periphery movable toward and away from the elongated member. Opposing internal surfaces of the filter media define a volume into which emboli may flow through the second end when the periphery is moved away from the elongated member. The emboli are trapped within the volume when the periphery is moved toward the elongated member. An actuator moves the periphery toward and away from the elongated member. The actuator includes a plurality of elastic loops. The loops are biased to an open loop configuration with the loops urging the periphery away from the elongated member.

Abstract: The radially expandable frame utilized during catheterization includes a guide wire, a radiopaque radially expandable frame with distal and proximal frame ends wherein the guide wire freely passes through the proximal frame end, an elongated actuation sleeve having a flexible distal end piece (coil strain relief) through which freely passes the guide wire, and a friction locking mechanism located at the proximal end of the system which is defined by the proximal ends of the actuation sleeve and guide wire. The expandable frame includes radiopaque frame struts and has a closed, radially compact form and an open, radially expanded form. The actuator flexible end piece is a coil which enables the system to flex in excess of 90 degrees. The actuator sleeve, at its proximal end, includes a friction locking mechanism having locking members with respective locking surfaces.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. The catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. Some embodiments of the invention are directed to in-vivo visualization devices and systems comprising user-actuatable control features and steering devices.

Abstract: An emboli filter for deployment in a body lumen to capture emboli entrained in a fluid flowing through the lumen includes a flexible elongated member sized to be passed through the lumen. A filter media is carried on and substantially surrounding the elongated member. The filter media has a first end secured to the elongated member adjacent the distal end. A second end of the filter media has a periphery movable toward and away from the elongated member. Opposing internal surfaces of the filter media define a volume into which emboli may flow through the second end when the periphery is moved away from the elongated member. The emboli are trapped within the volume when the periphery is moved toward the elongated member. An actuator moves the periphery toward and way from the elongated member. The actuator includes a plurality of elastic loops. The loops are biased to an open loop configuration with the loops urging the periphery away from the elongated member.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around a stenosis or occlusion in a coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium to provide a passage for blood to flow from a heart chamber to a coronary artery, at a site distal to the blockage or stenosis in the coronary artery. The conduit has a one-way valve positioned therein to prevent the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: The elongated catheter has a movably actuated core wire therein adapted for use with a coaxially actuated medical device. The wire in a tube system has variable core spaces along its axial extent. The catheter includes an elongated catheter tube with a plunge ground core wire movably disposed therein. Otherwise, the core wire may be spiral ground. Additionally, the core wire may have varying outer diameters over its lengths, none larger than the inside diameter of the catheter tube. Further, the core wire may be formed by a plurality of braided wires. Alternatively, or in addition to, the elongated catheter tube may be formed by a plurality of braided wires. In this embodiment, a solid core wire may be movably disposed in the braided catheter tube or the core wire may likewise be braided by a second plurality of braided wires.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: A stent suitable for implantation in myocardial tissue to enhance perfusion therein may include a tubular member having first and second ends and a lumen. The first end of the stent may be configured to pierce myocardial tissue and the lumen may be configured to be placed in flow communication with a coronary vessel. The stent may further include a means for retaining the tubular member within the myocardial tissue. A method for implanting the stent may include positioning the first end of the stent at a desired implantation site and applying force to the second end of the stent to implant the stent within the myocardial tissue. The method may further include engaging the means for retaining with the myocardial tissue to retain the stent in position.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a ductal access device comprising a low profile, ergonomic manifold hub usable to introduce fluids into a breast duct and collect ductal fluid samples including ductal epithelial cells and clumps of ductal epithelial cells from within a breast duct. The ductal access device also comprises an elongated access catheter having a distal end, one lumen and dimensions which permit introduction of the distal end through a ductal orifice so that a distal end of the catheter may be positioned distal to the ductal sphincter of a human breast. The medical instrument may also include and activate valve and a Nitinol introducer.

Abstract: Systems for delivering a bifurcated stent to a bifurcation site comprise catheters and/or bifurcated stents delivered therefrom.