Abstract: A low profile emboli capture device is provided for use in angioplasty and other intravascular procedures. A standard guidewire is utilized having a reduced cross-sectional area formed near its distal end. A filter and self-expanding stent are packaged on the reduced cross-sectional area of the guidewire. A movable sleeve extends over the guidewire and holds the self-expanding stent and filter in their retracted positions while the device is being positioned in the artery. The sheath is moved relative to the self-expanding stent and filter, whereupon the self-expanding stent and filter become deployed.

Abstract: A low profile emboli capture device is provided for use in angioplasty and other intravascular procedures. A standard guidewire is utilized having a reduced cross-sectional area formed near its distal end. A filter and self-expanding stent are packaged on the reduced cross-sectional area of the guidewire. A movable sleeve extends over the guidewire and holds the self-expanding stent and filter in their retracted positions while the device is being positioned in the artery. The sheath is moved relative to the self-expanding stent and filter, whereupon the self-expanding stent and filter become deployed.

Abstract: An array of relief cuts is formed at the flexion points of an expandable stent. The relief cuts are small enough to preserve the columnar compressive strength of the stent. The relief cuts allow a balloon expandable stent to be expanded with less balloon pressure. The relief cuts allow the use of wider and thinner material in the stent, giving greater radio-opacity and vessel coverage while simultaneously reducing the stent profile and increasing laminar blood flow through the stented vessel. Patterns of relief cuts may be placed in stents to achieve controlled, non-uniform expansion and which, in some instances, allow the stent to bend easily in a given direction to facilitate deployment in curved arteries or other body lumens.

Abstract: A low profile emboli capture device is provided for use in angioplasty and other intravascular procedures. A standard guidewire is utilized having a reduced cross-sectional area formed near its distal end. A filter and self-expanding stent are packaged on the reduced cross-sectional area of the guidewire. A movable sleeve extends over the guidewire and holds the self-expanding stent and filter in their retracted positions while the device is being positioned in the artery. The sheath is moved relative to the self-expanding stent and filter, whereupon the self-expanding stent and filter become deployed.

Abstract: An array of relief cuts is formed in at least some of the interconnected struts of an expandable stent. The relief cuts are sufficiently small to not significantly reduce the strength of each of the struts between flexion points, so that each strut between flexion points retains sufficient resistance against bending, twisting and buckling to perform its intended function. Relief cuts are provided which extend through the struts and either carry plugs of material such as medicine or other materials or, alternatively, one or both exterior surfaces of the stent may be covered with a medicinal or other coating. In one embodiment, a coating covers both the inner and outer surface of the stent and extends between the relief cuts, thereby connecting the layers of the coating and increasing its adhesion to the stent, itself. Multiple coatings may be applied to the stent. The relief cuts may be applied only at flexion points of the stent or only between flexion points of the stent or both.

Abstract: An array of relief cuts is formed at the flexion points of an expandable stent. The relief cuts are small enough to preserve the columnar compressive strength of the stent. The relief cuts allow a balloon expandable stent to be expanded with less balloon pressure. The relief cuts allow the use of wider and thinner material in the stent, giving greater radio-opacity and vessel coverage while simultaneously reducing the stent profile and increasing laminar blood flow through the stented vessel. Patterns of relief cuts may be placed in stents to achieve controlled, non-uniform expansion and which, in some instances, allow the stent to bend easily in a given direction to facilitate deployment in curved arteries or other body lumens.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for use in blood vessels and other body canals having one or more expandable segments. Each expandable segment includes a plurality of longitudinally extending bands, each band having a plurality of buckle points so that, as compressive axial forces are applied, the bands bend at the buckle points in a predetermined manner to expand outwardly. Fluid passageways are provided to apply the necessary axial compressive forces. A flexible resilient membrane encloses the expandable section and retracts the section so that the catheter may be withdrawn. The catheter is usable with or without stents. Multiple expandable segments may be utilized on the catheter for multi-tasking such as pre-expanding an artery and inserting one or two stents in the pre-expanded artery in a single procedure without withdrawing the catheter.

Abstract: A female part of a Luer connector is provided with at least one abutment 10 at or adjacent the distal end of its interior for limiting movement of a mating male part within the female part. The abutment 10 extends around a portion only of the periphery of the interior of the female part thereby minimizing the chances of air traps and allowing the free flow of fluid through the Luer connector.