Abstract: Disclosed are methods and structures for joining metallic members. A welding material can be used between two metallic members that comprise different metals. The different metals can normally form brittle intermetallic compounds when welded to one another, and the welding material can inhibit the formation of the brittle intermetallic compounds.

Abstract: Methods and devices for capturing debris within a blood vessel are disclosed. A filter assembly in accordance with the present invention comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a filter fixed to the elongate shaft proximate the distal end thereof. A filter assembly in accordance with the present invention may further include a means for reducing the volume of the debris that is disposed within the filter.

Abstract: A medical article that includes (a) an electronically conductive substrate having a specific conductivity of at least 1 ?S/cm and (b) a galvanic couple that includes a first member and a second member arranged in sufficient proximity to each other to generate a localized electric field under physiological conditions. The first and second members are selected such that the galvanic couple exhibits an average plateau current density of at least 25 microamps/cm2 when short circuited in a zero resistance ammeter test at room temperature using a saline electrolyte.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and structures for joining metallic members. A welding material can be used between two metallic members that comprise different metals. The different metals can normally form brittle intermetallic compounds when welded to one another, and the welding material can inhibit the formation of the brittle intermetallic compounds.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical article that includes (a) an electronically conductive substrate having a specific conductivity of at least 1 ?S/cm and (b) a galvanic couple that includes a first member and a second member arranged in sufficient proximity to each other to generate a localized electric field under physiological conditions. The first and second members are selected such that the galvanic couple exhibits an average plateau current density of at least 25 microamps/cm2 when short circuited in a zero resistance ammeter test at room temperature using a saline electrolyte.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: Distal protection filter frame and method for using and manufacturing the same. A distal protection filter frame may include one or more struts, a mouth, and a filter coupled to the mouth.

Abstract: Distal protection filter frame and method for using and manufacturing the same. A distal protection filter frame may include one or more struts, a mouth, and a filter coupled to the mouth.

Abstract: A medical device such as a coronary stent is provided that can be visualized in-vivo while further aiding in the prevention of restenosis. The medical device comprises a core having a first layer disposed thereon. The first layer is made from a material that is radio-opaque so that the medical device may be visualized in-vivo. An outer layer is disposed onto and surrounds at least a portion of the first layer to provide a barrier layer between the radio-opaque inner layer and blood and/or tissue disposed within the patient's vessel. The outer surface of the outer layer may include a textured surface of micro-pores, grooves, cross-hatched lines to receive a therapeutic agent. Drugs and treatments which utilize anti-thombogenic agents, and anti-proliferation agents may be readily deployed from the textured outer surface of the outer layer of the medical device.

Abstract: Medical devices that include oxidizable portions can be plated after a two step activation process that includes successive applications of two aqueous solutions of ammonium bifluoride. Once plated, such materials can be soldered using conventional solders and fluxes. Medical devices can be assembled by soldering together plated materials. Oxidizable materials can be plated with radiopaque materials to yield medical devices that are more visible to fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A rotational ablation atherectomy device including a flexible drive shaft and a compressible burr that may be inserted and extracted from a patient using a catheter having a diameter that is smaller than the operational diameter of the burr. In one embodiment, the burr includes a nose portion coupled to the drive shaft and one or more flexible abrasive disks disposed rearwardly from the nose portion. The flexible disks are foldable to be slidably received within a catheter. In another embodiment, the burr includes a support member coupled to the drive shaft, the support member having a resilient panel that spirals outwardly, forming a generally cylindrical ablation surface. The flexible panel can be elastically urged toward the support member and slidably inserted into the catheter. In a third embodiment, the burr includes a plurality of struts that are coupled to the drive shaft. An elastically compressible body disposed between the struts permits the struts to flex inwardly to reduce the burr diameter.

Abstract: Medical devices that include oxidizable portions can be plated after a two step activation process that includes successive applications of two aqueous solutions of ammonium bifluoride. Once plated, such materials can be soldered using conventional solders and fluxes. Medical devices can be assembled by soldering together plated materials. Oxidizable materials can be plated with radiopaque materials to yield medical devices that are more visible to fluoroscopy.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed.

Abstract: Distal protection filter frame and method for using and manufacturing the same. A distal protection filter frame may include one or more struts, a mouth, and a filter coupled to the mouth.