Abstract: The present embodiments provide an introducer sheath having a braided member and methods of manufacture. The introducer sheath comprises an inner tube, a braided member disposed over at least a portion of the inner tube, and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube and the braided member. In one embodiment, the braided member comprises a plurality of intersecting first and second wire segments at least partially covered with a coating. At least a portion of the first and second wire segments are bonded together at one or more intersections, for example, by melting the coating, to reduce movement of at least one of the first and second wire segments with respect to one another. Optionally, a coiled member having a plurality of turns may be disposed over a portion of the braided member and the inner tube.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an introducer sheath having a braided member and methods of manufacture. The introducer sheath comprises an inner tube, a braided member disposed over at least a portion of the inner tube, and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube and the braided member. In one embodiment, the braided member comprises a plurality of intersecting first and second wire segments at least partially covered with a coating. At least a portion of the first and second wire segments are bonded together at one or more intersections, for example, by melting the coating, to reduce movement of at least one of the first and second wire segments with respect to one another. Optionally, a coiled member having a plurality of turns may be disposed over a portion of the braided member and the inner tube.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and a method for making the sheath. The sheath includes a fluoropolymer liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. An inner jacket is positioned longitudinally over the liner, and the inner surface of the inner jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the liner. An outer jacket is positioned longitudinally over the inner jacket, and the inner surface of the outer jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the inner jacket. A reinforcing coil is encapsulated within the inner jacket and the outer jacket.

Abstract: A stent-graft fabricated from a thin-walled, high strength material provides for a more durable and lower profile endoprosthesis. The stent-graft comprises one or more stent segments covered with a fabric formed by the weaving, knitting or braiding of a biocompatible, high tensile strength, abrasion resistant, highly durable yarn such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The one or more stent segments may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing any number of known materials and techniques. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing an attachment device that secures the fabric to a strut of the stent segment by sandwiching the fabric between itself and the stent strut.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve collar, a rotatable valve control member, and a flexible valve member disposed therebetween. The valve control member and the valve collar are aligned to define an elongated passageway, and the flexible valve member is disposed along the passageway. The valve collar is structured such that at least a portion thereof is capable of radial flexure upon engagement with a mechanism on the rotatable valve control member. One end of the valve member is secured to the valve collar, and the other end is secured to the rotatable valve control member.

Abstract: A method of forming an introducer sheath having a crease-free tapered distal tip portion. A mandrel is provided having an outer configuration comprising an elongated body and a tapered distal tip portion. A generally tubular inner liner comprising heat shrinkable PTFE, is positioned over the mandrel. The inner liner is heat shrunk to the outer configuration of the mandrel, in a manner that avoids the formation of creases along the inner diameter of the liner. A reinforcing member is positioned over a length of the inner liner, and an outer jacket is positioned over the reinforcing member and the inner liner. The liner, reinforcing member, and outer jacket are heated in a heat shrink enclosure, whereby the outer jacket melts and bonds to an outer surface of the inner liner.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes a lubricious inner liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, a reinforcing member positioned over the inner liner, and an outer jacket positioned longitudinally over the reinforcing member and the inner liner. The outer jacket has a higher durometer proximal portion, a lower durometer distal portion, and a transition zone between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The transition zone has a variable durometer from a junction with the outer jacket proximal portion to a junction with the outer jacket distal portion, to provide a transition between the higher durometer proximal portion and the lower durometer distal portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device delivery system. The delivery system includes an introducer sheath having an elongated tubular member having a passageway extending generally longitudinally therethrough. The passageway is defined by an inner surface of the tubular member and is configured to receive a medical device moveably disposed therein, where at least a portion of the inner surface of the inner tube comprises a non-uniform surface configured to reduce surface contact between the inner surface and the medical device. The delivery system includes an inner catheter configured to slidably extend throughout the passageway of the introducer sheath. A prosthesis is disposed within a distal portion of the introducer sheath, where the prosthesis is supported within the introducer sheath by the inner catheter.

Abstract: A method of forming an introducer sheath having a crease-free tapered distal tip portion. A mandrel is provided having an outer configuration comprising an elongated body and a tapered distal tip portion. A generally tubular inner liner comprising heat shrinkable PTFE, is positioned over the mandrel. The inner liner is heat shrunk to the outer configuration of the mandrel, in a manner that avoids the formation of creases along the inner diameter of the liner. A reinforcing member is positioned over a length of the inner liner, and an outer jacket is positioned over the reinforcing member and the inner liner. The liner, reinforcing member, and outer jacket are heated in a heat shrink enclosure, whereby the outer jacket melts and bonds to an outer surface of the inner liner.

Abstract: An introducer sheath and a method for making the sheath. The sheath includes a fluoropolymer liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. An inner jacket is positioned longitudinally over the liner, and the inner surface of the inner jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the liner. An outer jacket is positioned longitudinally over the inner jacket, and the inner surface of the outer jacket is bonded to the outer surface of the inner jacket. A reinforcing coil is encapsulated within the inner jacket and the outer jacket.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide an introducer sheath having a braided member and methods of manufacture. The introducer sheath comprises an inner tube, a braided member disposed over at least a portion of the inner tube, and an outer tube disposed over the inner tube and the braided member. In one embodiment, the braided member comprises a plurality of intersecting first and second wire segments at least partially covered with a coating. At least a portion of the first and second wire segments are bonded together at one or more intersections, for example, by melting the coating, to reduce movement of at least one of the first and second wire segments with respect to one another. Optionally, a coiled member having a plurality of turns may be disposed over a portion of the braided member and the inner tube.

Abstract: A prosthesis configured for establishing a fluid flow path through an artery or the like includes a generally cylindrical body portion formed from graft material. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the device, at least a portion of the graft material is profiled where the profile defines a geometric pattern, e.g. a series of Z pleats.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for treating a vascular condition by providing a catheter having proximal and distal regions, a balloon disposed on the distal region, and a plurality of delivery ports disposed in lateral surfaces of the catheter at locations proximal to the balloon. The balloon is adapted to treat the vascular condition, for example, by performing balloon angioplasty. Subsequently, the balloon may be deflated, the catheter advanced distally, and the plurality of delivery ports may be aligned with the vascular condition, e.g., to deliver a therapeutic agent such as an anti-restenosis drug. During the delivery of the therapeutic agent, the balloon may be partially or fully re-inflated to enhance localized delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve collar, a rotatable valve control member, and a flexible valve member disposed therebetween. The valve control member and the valve collar are aligned to define an elongated passageway, and the flexible valve member is disposed along the passageway. The valve collar is structured such that at least a portion thereof is capable of radial flexure upon engagement with a mechanism on the rotatable valve control member. One end of the valve member is secured to the valve collar, and the other end is secured to the rotatable valve control member.

Abstract: The invention is a system, apparatus, and method for treating, and/or repairing an aneurysm, preferably an aortic aneurysm, and most preferably, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention include a prosthesis assembly for establishing a fluid flow path between an upstream portion of an artery and at least one bifurcated downstream portion of the artery.

Abstract: An endoluminal aneurysm treatment system of an expandable bypass prosthesis and an extension prosthesis with a flared distal portion which, upon expansion, frictionally engages the proximal end of the bypass prosthesis.

Abstract: The invention is a system, apparatus, and method for treating, and/or repairing an aneurysm, preferably an aortic aneurysm, and most preferably, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention include a prosthesis assembly for establishing a fluid flow path between an upstream portion of an artery and at least one bifurcated downstream portion of the artery.

Abstract: The invention is a system, apparatus, and method for treating, repairing, and/or replacing an aneurysm, preferably an aortic aneurysm, and most preferably, an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention include a first prosthesis or stent gasket, at least one second prosthesis for bypassing the aneurysm, and a third or extension prosthesis.