Abstract: A camera assembly for positioning within a bodily passageway, including a camera, a catheter adapted to retain the camera, and a rotary coupling interconnecting the catheter and the camera. The catheter is provided with helically-wound threads thereon. The rotary coupling permits the catheter to rotate and thereby move axially while the camera remains rotationally stationary.

Abstract: An agent delivery catheter configured to deliver an agent to an inner surface of a patient's body lumen wall by forming an array of cells defining agent containment chambers at multiple locations along the catheter's shaft, while minimizing ischemic conditions during the procedure.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accessing a Eustachian tube of a patient are disclosed. The system includes a guide configured for passing into a nasal passage of the patient to position a distal tip of the catheter at or near a Eustachian tube, the guide having a distal tip with a bend having an angle between 30 and 90 degrees; and a guidewire configured to pass through the guide into the Eustachian tube. A device for providing therapy to the Eustachian tube is passed through the guide.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an endourethral prosthesis, assembly, and attendant methods are provided for patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or urinary retention. The endourethral prosthesis includes a reversibly expandable element disposed circumferentially about, and longitudinally along a tubular member adapted to receive urine. The tubular member is positionable within a lower urinary tract such that the reversibly expandable element operatively engages a structure of the lower urinary tract so as to prevent migration of the prosthesis so positioned. The reversibly expandible element is in non-reversible fluid communication with the tubular element for selective expansion thereof, the reversibly expandible element is further operatively engagable so as to discharge fluid non-reversibly received from the tubular member exterior to same.

Abstract: A targeted drug delivery device is provided. The device comprises an elongated member with proximal and distal ends, a plurality of infusion ports associated with the distal end of the elongated member, and a selector mechanism for selectively placing an introducer port into fluid communication with at least one infusion port. A method for treating tissue is also provided. The method comprises introducing a medical device into the tissue, selecting an region of the tissue to treat, positioning the medical device in proximity to the region, and introducing a medicament through the device to treat only that region.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods are disclosed including a seal for helping direct an anticoagulant or other fluid for proper irrigation in a basket catheter. An exemplary basket catheter includes an outer tubing housing an inner fluid delivery tubing having at least one fluid delivery port. A plurality of splines each connected at a proximal end of the splines to the outer tubing and at a distal end of the splines to the inner fluid delivery tubing. The inner fluid delivery tubing is operable to be moved in a first direction relative to the outer tubing to expand the splines to a deployed position. The inner fluid delivery tubing is also operable to be moved in a second direction relative to the outer tubing to collapse the splines to an undeployed position. A porous membrane is provided over at least a portion of the inner fluid delivery tubing having the at least one fluid delivery port.

Abstract: A system for delivering an agent to tissue surrounding a target vessel includes an elongate delivery device and a source coupled to a proximal tubular portion of the device. A first lumen extends through the tubular portion and an expandable sheath of the device, wherein the expandable sheath has a proximal end that surrounds and overlies a distal end of the tubular portion. The device further includes a stiffening member, attached to the sheath, and a balloon attached to the stiffening member, at a location spaced apart from the sheath. A second lumen extends, within the tubular portion and the stiffening member, to the balloon. A volume of fluid may be delivered, from the source, through the first lumen and into a section of the target vessel that is downstream from the expandable sheath and upstream of the balloon, in order to expand the sheath, fill the section and apply a pressure sufficient to cause extravasation of the section.

Abstract: A method for preventing a restenosis within a vessel wall requires a medicament be delivered at predetermined locations into the vessel wall and allowed to subsequently disperse in a predetermined pattern. To deliver the medicament, a catheter with an expanding member is advanced into the vasculature of a patient until the expanding member is located as desired. The expanding member is then expanded to force dispensers into the vessel wall to the proper depth. A medicament is then pumped through the dispensers to create a plurality of equally spaced, localized medicinal deliveries which subsequently disperse to medicate an annulus shaped volume within the vessel wall.

Abstract: A medical device has a cuff adapted to be positioned in the trachea of a subject with a patient tube, and a first tube having a distal end coupled to the cuff and a proximal end communicable with the surroundings. More effective and simpler sample taking and/or dosing of medicament is achieved by a second tube that is coupled with a distal end to the cuff and communicable with the surroundings via a proximal end, together with a pumping device that is connected to the proximal end of the first tube and to the proximal end of the second tube in order to circulate a fluid through the cuff. The cuff has a membrane that is permeable to a specific substance, the membrane being disposed to allow transfer of the specific substance between the interior and the exterior of the cuff.

Abstract: A system, device and method are presented for utilizing stretchable active integrated circuits with inflatable bodies. The invention allows for such operative features to come into direct contact with body structures, such as the inner wall of a lumen. Such direct contact increases accuracy of measurement and delivery of therapy.

Abstract: A balloon assembly includes an elongated balloon, one or more cutting elements engaged to the balloon, and one or more therapeutic agents disposed within an opening defined by the cutting blades.

Abstract: A hydro-mechanical devices which regulate venous return flow in the human circulatory system includes a combined catheter/cyclic occlusion inflatable balloon to regulate the venous return, which can be adapted to its location space in the inferior vena cava, near the right entrance of atrium, and includes means for retention inside the vessel as well as an ability to modify volume according to patient's needs.

Abstract: An actuator for an interventional surgical procedure is described. The actuator may include an actuator body having a distal end and a proximal end. A central expandable section is located between the distal end and the proximal end. The expandable section is operable between an unactuated condition in which the expandable section is in a furled state and an actuated condition in which the expandable section is in an unfurled state. A needle is located at the expandable section. The needle is moveable in an approximately perpendicular direction relative to a central longitudinal axis of the actuator body from a position within the actuator body to a position outside of the actuator body.

Abstract: An implantable device for releasing one or more substances into a body cavity such as a urinary bladder, is provided. The device includes an inner balloon located within an outer balloon so as to define a lumen between the outer and inner balloons. The interior of the inner balloon is in fluid contact with an exterior surface of the device, for example via one or more conduits passing through the lumen between the two balloons. A first valve is used for filling the lumen; and a second valve is used for filling the inner balloon. The device is delivered to the body using a delivery catheter. The inner balloon is filled with the substance or substances to be released into the body cavity. The outer balloon is filled with a substance that is chosen to impart a desired specific gravity to the device. The substances to be released may be contained in particles coated with a soluble coating. The particles may be in suspension or embedded in a matrix.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent within a body lumen having a wall with a thickness is provided having a balloon having a flexible wall including a polymer with dispersed nanotubes and pores configured to close below a predefined pressure and to open at or above a predefined pressure. In some embodiments, an actuator is provided to controllably inflate the balloon with a fluid at a pressure sufficient to bring the flexible wall of the balloon into contact with at least a portion of the wall of the body lumen but below the predefined pressure, and to controllably increase the pressure of the fluid within the inflated balloon to at least the predefined pressure at a rate and with a force sufficient to deliver the therapeutic agent from the pores and through at least a portion of the thickness of the wall of the body lumen.

Abstract: A system comprising: a hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; at least a portion of the tube comprising a porous membrane; and a pharmacological agent incorporated in the porous membrane; wherein the porous membrane has a porosity such that: (i) the pharmacological agent is effectively incorporated into the porous membrane; and (ii) when the porous membrane is positioned in blood, the pharmacological agent elutes out of the porous membrane at a rate which matches the desired rate of dosage for the pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a guidewire and a fixator catheter. The fixator catheter comprises a tubular body with a distal portion and a proximal portion, and further includes a distal opening, a fixator secured to the distal portion, and a body opening arranged between the fixator and the proximal portion. The guidewire passes through the body opening and the distal opening of the fixator catheter. The fixator is movable between a compact configuration and an expanded configuration and, in the expanded condition, is capable of anchoring the guidewire and fixator catheter in a lumen of a blood vessel.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for preventing injury to a target tissue in proximity to the heart. The methods may include the use a device to externally manipulate the heart to move a portion of the heart away from the target tissue. The methods may also include applying therapy to the heart with the device.

Abstract: A radially expandable device having a body constructed of a generally inelastic, expanded fluoropolymer material is described. The body is deployable upon application of a radial expansion force from a reduced diameter, collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a pre-defined and fixed increased diameter. The body has a singular, unitary construction of generally homogenous material that is characterized by a seamless construction of expanded fluoropolymer material, such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and is preferably constructed through an extrusion and expansion process. The body is further characterized by a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils in which substantially all the nodes of the body are oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to expandable medical balloons that have strips of lubricous material along their lengths The expandable medical balloons are formed from extruded preform segments. The preform segments are coextrusions of a first material, which forms the tubular primary material of the preform segments, and a second material, which forms the strips of lubricous material.

Abstract: A urological medical system for performing a controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder for treating a bladder dysfunction problem comprised of a programmed CPU with associated computer equipment for facilitating an automatic control of a treatment procedure to be performed on a patient, a saline solution warmer, a saline solution pump, a four-way catheter wherein a channel is provided for monitoring the pressure within the bladder during the procedure, a syringe for infusing a medicine through the catheter and a strapping device to secure the syringe and to slidingly engage the catheter to a leg of the patient. Desired parameters are monitored during the procedure and a desired pressure is maintained in the bladder for a predetermined time to perform the controlled hydrodistention of the urinary bladder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for deploying and/or retrieving a balloon configured to at least partially occlude a vessel, such as the coronary sinus. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a stylet and a balloon catheter configured such that the stylet can be inserted into a lumen in the catheter and used to exert a force against an interior portion of the balloon in order to stretch the balloon and reduce the diameter of the balloon. In one embodiment, the stylet and the balloon both have specialty-configured tips that work together to prevent tearing of the balloon when the stylet is exerting a force against the interior of the balloon's tip.

Abstract: An imaging device such as a catheter has a plurality of infusion holes adapted to infuse liquid into the blood stream while substantially preventing radial jetting. An example imaging catheter includes an elongated member, having distal and proximal ends, an axis, a lumen along the axis, and an outer surface. Preferably, a plurality of infusion holes are defined along the axis of said elongated member between the lumen and the outer surface. The plurality of infusion holes may be tapered from the outer surface to the lumen. Further, the plurality of infusion holes may be angled outwardly toward the proximal end of the elongated member. The size, shape, spacing and configuration of the infusion holes may be varied as desired.

Abstract: A depth probe for intracranial treatment is provided having a body that includes a distal portion with one aperture and at least one element mounted upon the exterior surface, a lumen defined by the body that is accessed only through the aperture and an opening, and a proximal portion with at least one proximal-contact radially circumscribing the body. The proximal-contact is conductively connected with the element. The lumen is sized to receive coaxially an inner catheter adapted to transfer a fluid such as a drug with a tissue region within the patient's brain. The aperture is coaxial with the lumen and sized to allow the inner catheter to pass through it. The depth probe preferably includes an inflatable balloon secured upon its distal portion proximal to the element. The balloon is adapted to seal upon inflation the tract created by the probe when inserted into the brain.

Abstract: Endolumenally sealing a zone around the puncture and dilation area of a stent-graft fenestration or sealing the juncture between two lumens with an expandable sealant delivery device. In exemplary embodiments, an expandable sealant delivery device includes a catheter mounted balloon, which has a microporous membrane or a plurality of pores suitable for delivering a surgical sealant.

Abstract: A multi lumen catheter is made from a number of thin walled flexible tubes bonded together to form an inner lumen. The inner lumen can withstand vacuum when the outside tubes are pressurized. During insertion the tubes are compressed and collapsed. The tubes expand by the pressure of the pumped fluid. At the point the catheter enters the body the expansion is restricted to a smaller diameter than the rest of the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for delivering stem cells or other agents to cardiac tissue surrounding a cardiac vessel or to tissue adjacent other body lumens. The apparatus includes an expandable member and a source of one or more agents communicating with a lumen extending between proximal and distal ends of the apparatus. The distal end of the apparatus is advanced through one or more body lumens until the distal end is disposed within or adjacent the target body lumen. The target body lumen is sealed, e.g., by expanding the expandable member, thereby isolating the target body lumen. One or more agents are delivered into the target body lumen with sufficient pressure to extravasate the one or more agents into tissue surrounding the target body lumen.

Abstract: Substance delivering spacer devices may comprise expandable reservoirs that are implantable in paranasal sinuses and other cavities, openings and passageways of the body to maintain patency and to provide sustained local delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic substance. Delivery apparatus including elongate tubular members as well as shapeable distal portions and atraumatic tips are provided. Also provided are sinus penetrator devices and systems for performing ethmoidotomy procedures or for creating other openings in the walls of paranasal sinuses or other anatomical structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of biologically active materials comprises a catheter and balloon having micro-needles or pores. In the apparatus, the balloon can have a polymer coating containing the biologically active material, and the apparatus can include a sheath surrounding the balloon. In one embodiment the biologically active material is delivered through lumens in the micro-needles. Another embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for delivery of biologically active materials comprising a catheter with a balloon disposed thereon and a shockwave generator for producing a shockwave for delivering the biologically active material to a body lumen. Methods for delivery of biologically active materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cell delivery system and method for delivering cells locally to a tissue, body cavity, or joint is described. The cell delivery system comprises a catheter configured to deliver stem cells in a pressure controlled manner. The catheter may comprise an inner bladder and an outer perforated bladder. The inner bladder may be expanded through the use of a pressure conduit in order to deploy a stent. Cells, such as endothelial cells derived from adipose tissue, may be introduced between the inner and outer bladder. The inner bladder may be further expanded in order to exert pressure on the outer perforated bladder to advance the stems cells though the apertures of the outer bladder. The inner bladder may remain pressurized to hold the outer bladder against the vessel wall, thereby directing the stem cells to specific target sites. The system may be used to deliver stem cells with or without other therapeutic agents. The system may be used with or without a stent.

Abstract: A renal flow system and method direct fluid into renal arteries from a location within the aorta. A renal flow assembly has a tapered tube that is adjustable between a radially collapsed condition for delivery to the location through a delivery sheath and a radially expanded condition that divides aortic flow into exterior and interior paths. The tube's wall is made from a sheet of flexible material, such as PTFE or ePTFE. Two, nickel-titanium rings radially support the tube's ends and are connected by a longitudinal spine support. A fluid delivery assembly injects drug to flow along the exterior flow path and the tubular wall directs the agent into the renal artery ostium. The tube's taper has localized shape for circumferential agent mixing to infuse both kidneys' renals. The flow assembly allows an interventional device, e.g. delivery catheter, to advance across the location while directing blood into the renals and perfusing downstream circulation.

Abstract: A method for treating obesity comprises anchoring at a first target site within a body a first therapeutic agent delivery device including a first therapeutic agent reservoir coupled to a first outlet which, when the first device is anchored at the first target site, is positioned adjacent to a first target treatment location within a GI tract of a patient and releasing a first therapeutic agent from the first reservoir via the first outlet.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a device are shown and disclosed for closing a vascular access puncture site following percutaneous diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedures. The vascular closure device is configured to safely and accurately deploy a sealing material that undergoes a phase change when deployed inside the tissue tract. The sealing material may be a solid at room temperature and a liquid or gel at body temperature. Also, the sealing material may change from a liquid or gel to a cubic phase when it comes into contact with bodily fluids.

Abstract: A vascular closure device includes a main body and an expandable portion that can be selectively expanded and contracted. The vascular closure device may be used to close the hole in a wall of a vessel after a medical procedure. For example, the vascular closure device may be used to close the hole in an artery after a medical procedure that required access to the artery. In one embodiment, the expandable portion may be oriented at an oblique angle relative to the main body. This may be desirable in situations where the vessel puncture is oriented at an angle relative to the vessel. Orienting the expandable portion at an oblique angle relative to the main body may help the expandable portion to cover the hole in the wall of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of treating vulnerable plaque comprising intentionally damaging or rupturing the vulnerable plaque using a wingless balloon which is inflated from a wingless unexpanded diameter to a limited expanded diameter. This process produces significant increase in ECM synthesis at the site of the damage or rupture. As a result, the method strengthens the vulnerable plaque while minimizing or avoiding damage to the surrounding wall of the body lumen or damaging a stable plaque mistakenly believed to be a vulnerable plaque. The method of the invention is particularly useful in treating a fibroatheroma type of vulnerable plaque. In one embodiment, the balloon is self-limiting such that it expands compliantly at initial inflation pressures, and above nominal pressure it expands noncompliantly. In an alternative embodiment, the balloon is inflated using a diameter-limiting device, such as a device which limits the inflation pressure or the volume of inflation fluid in the balloon.

Abstract: A method for modulating remodeling of an infarct region of a myocardium, the method including the controlled local delivery of therapeutic agent(s) employing microparticles as a carrier, and devices and compositions relating thereto.

Abstract: An actuator for an interventional surgical procedure is described. The actuator may include an actuator body having a distal end and a proximal end. A central expandable section is located between the distal end and the proximal end. The expandable section is operable between an unactuated condition in which the expandable section is in a furled state and an actuated condition in which the expandable section is in an unfurled state. A needle is located at the expandable section. The needle is moveable in an approximately perpendicular direction relative to a central longitudinal axis of the actuator body from a position within the actuator body to a position outside of the actuator body.

Abstract: A medical device for the delivery of treatment fluid to body vessels is described. The device has a distal (21) and a proximal (20) end with a self-expanding, hollow tubular member (9) and a delivery catheter (10) suitable for deploying a self-expanding, tubular member (9). The tubular member (9) is configured to expand radially to form a central part (11) flanked by two annular ridges, which creates, in situ, an annular lumen that can apply treatment fluid locally to a vessel and a passageway that can maintain the flow of blood through the vessel. The device is particularly suited for minimally invasive and repeatable organ perfusion. A method for organ perfusion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device including a medical device thin metallic film component (such as a thin metallic angioplasty balloon), with perforations therethrough, attached to a medical device polymeric component (e.g., a polymeric tubular catheter) abutting the thin metallic film component. The medical device also includes a polymeric sleeve covering the perforations and at least a portion of the polymeric component abutting the thin metallic film component. Moreover, the polymeric sleeve intrudes into the perforations and joins the thin metallic film component to the polymeric component. A method for attaching a medical device thin metallic film component (for example a thin metallic film angioplasty balloon) to a medical device polymeric component (e.g., a tubular polymeric catheter) includes forming a plurality of perforations in the medical device thin metallic film component and abutting the medical device polymeric component against the medical device thin metallic component.

Abstract: A probe that facilitates the creation of lesions in bodily tissue. The probe includes a relatively short shaft and an inflatable therapeutic element.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medication administration via a body cavity. In one aspect, a medication administration device includes: a tip portion having a plurality of holes and a balloon defining a balloon cavity. When the balloon is deflated the tip portion can be inserted into a body cavity, such as rectum, to allow medication delivery through the holes in the tip portion. When inflated, the balloon can prevent the tip portion from being withdrawn from the body cavity and/or hold dispersed medication within the body cavity. The device further includes a port portion that has a first port and a second port, and an elongated tubular portion that is coupled between the tip portion and the port portion. The tubular portion has a first lumen connecting the first port to the plurality of holes in the tip portion, and a second lumen connecting the second port to the balloon cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a tube that is passed into a patient's vagina and to penetrate vaginal tissue until a distal tip of the tube is outside of a uterine artery of the patient, but in a vicinity of a portion of the uterine artery that supplies a uterine fibroid. A balloon, disposed at the distal tip, is inflated to cause local squeezing of the portion of the uterine artery to an extent sufficient to occlude the uterine artery. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Catheterization systems and methods for treatment of a condition within a blood vessel are provided that include the use of a catheter, a balloon immediately adjacent to the distal end of the catheter, an inflation device for expanding the balloon, and an occlusion-penetrating device for gaining access through an occlusion. The occlusion-penetrating device may include an indeflator configured to injected fluid at a high pressure, an RF wire, a hollow needle wire, a dissection tool, a laser wire, or even a very small balloon to exploit existing microchannels in the occlusion.

Abstract: This invention is new apparatuses and methods for treatments to be used from inside conduits or biological pathways. Examples of the biological pathways in which these new apparatuses and methods may be used include arteries, veins, and respiratory ways. Multi-purpose catheters (10) and catheter systems using structures including wires (2108), balloons (2150), and cords (2204) are described as well as methods to use such catheters and catheter systems. One of the embodiments is a configurable wire system which carries or transports radioactive sources. The wire is used in conjunction with a closed-end channel catheter.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for eluting an agent at a treatment site are disclosed. The devices include an expandable frame and at least one membrane. The membrane may carry an agent to elute at the treatment site. The membrane may allow blood flow at the treatment site during agent delivery.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of intravascular medical devices, and more specifically to the field of balloon catheters and other similar diagnostic or therapeutic catheters within the body for treatment and diagnosis of diseases. In particular, the present invention relates to reinforced balloon catheters and drug-eluting balloon catheters and corresponding methods for producing same.

Abstract: A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: The invention described herein consists of an oxygen deliver source for local blood or tissue oxygenation. The invention consists of porous polymer structures being part of a medical device from which a liquid oxygen carrier is locally or systemically released. The substrate membrane impregnated with the oxygen carrier may be a part of a tube, a balloon, a perfusion balloon, a stent and a wire. The substrate membrane is sealed with a removable housing for the oxygen carrier to allow storage of the medical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to balloon catheters for treating a luminal system of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to catheters having a flexible membrane positioned at a distal portion of the catheter, the flexible membrane retained in a substantially unexposed conformation prior to deployment. Preferably the flexible membrane is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a localized environment when deployed to an exposed conformation.