Abstract: A catheter which exhibits excellent anti-kinking properties while avoiding interference with respect to an object moving inside the lumen of the catheter includes: an elongated catheter main body having a longitudinally extending lumen; a tubular-shaped guide wire insertion portion on the distal end of the catheter main body through which a guide wire is insertable, and which includes a distal opening portion and a proximal opening portion; and a reinforcement portion having a coil portion in which at least a portion of the reinforcement portion is arranged proximally of the proximal opening portion and is formed by a wound wire element, and an extension portion extending from the wire element of the coil portion in the distal direction away from the proximal opening portion, and wherein the reinforcement portion is positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface of the lumen of the catheter main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endolumenal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve or other therapeutic or diagnostic device, within a patient's digestive tract. In one application of the invention, an endolumenal bypass sleeve is removably attached in the vicinity of the gastroesophageal junction to treat obesity and/or its comorbidities, such as diabetes. The bypass sleeve may be at least partially deployed by eversion.

Abstract: A dual braided catheter shaft includes a flat wire forming the inner braid, thereby potentially allowing for reduced radial thickness of the shaft. In one embodiment, the shaft (100) includes an inner polymer jacket (104), an inner braid (106) formed on the inner jacket (104), an intermediate jacket (108) formed over the inner braid (106), an outer braid (110) formed on the intermediate jacket (108) and an outer jacket (112) formed on the outer braid (110). A preferred construction process involves extruding polymer material directly onto each of the inner and outer braids (106 and 110) so that little or no air gaps remain between the polymer material and the braids (106 and 110). The braiding parameters of the inner and outer braids (106 and 110) can be varied along the length of the catheter to provide varying mechanical properties.

Abstract: Microcannulae are constructed with multiple components in a composite design, allowing the microcannulae to have varying mechanical and delivery properties that will enable ophthalmic treatments by minimally invasive means. The microcannula includes at least one flexible, tubular communicating element with an outer diameter of 350 microns or less, a proximal connector for introduction of materials, energy or tools. It may also include a reinforcing member attached to the communicating element, which may be designed to create variable stiffness along the length of the microcannula. The microcannula may also include other features such as a signal beacon near the distal tip.

Abstract: A method of performing minimally invasive cardiac surgery includes the step of creating an access aperture into a patient's chest cavity, the access aperture being considerably smaller than a traditional cardiac surgery incision. A cannula is provided that has an oval portion with a longer major axis and a shorter minor axis and the cannula is inserted into the chest cavity through the access aperture.

Abstract: A catheter shaft having a helically wound elongate tubular member is disclosed. The catheter shaft may include a tubular member formed from helically wrapped length of material. The length of material may be wrapped to define a plurality of turns. At least some of the turns may be wrapped in an overlapping fashion such that at least a portion of a first edge of a turn overlaps at least of portion of a second edge of a turn of a previous turn defining an overlap distance.

Abstract: A coil for use in a medical device. The coil includes a plurality of coil windings or turns, wherein adjacent coil windings are connected together at a plurality of discrete connection locations to increase the torsional rigidity and torque transmitting properties of the coil without sacrificing the flexibility characteristics of the coil. In some embodiments the coil may be a wave wound coil, such as a nested wave wound coil or a crest-to-crest wave wound coil.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner layer, an outer layer, a reinforcement layer located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and a marker composed of a contrast material for confirming the position of the distal end portion of the catheter from outside the living body. The reinforcement layer is composed of a spiral first filamentous member, with a gap provided between those portions of the first filamentous member which are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the catheter. The marker is formed by spirally winding a second filamentous member having a filament diameter smaller than the gap, and has a portion in close contact with the inner layer in the gap.

Abstract: A sheath with improved kink resistance and/or rupture resistance is provided. The sheath includes an inner liner defining a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. A coil is fitted around at least a part of the inner liner. An outer layer adapted to adhere to the inner liner between the windings of the coil is positioned longitudinally over the coil. Lateral edges can have inwardly curved and outwardly curved portions. Lateral edges can be further structured and arranged to define an asymmetric spacing therebetween. The asymmetric spacing is configured to improve at least one of kink resistance and rupture resistance of the sheath when in a bent configuration. The compressive and tensile strength of the polymer material can be utilized in a manner to inhibit coil segments from sliding along each other or overlapping one another, thereby preventing premature tearing of the material when the sheath is bent.

Abstract: Contraceptive methods, systems, and devices generally improve the ease, speed, and reliability with which a contraceptive device can be deployed transcervically into an ostium of a fallopian tube. The contraceptive device may remain in a small profile configuration while a sheath is withdrawn proximally, and is thereafter expanded to a large profile configuration engaging the surrounding tissues, by manipulating one or more actuators of a proximal handle with a single hand. This leaves the other hand free to manipulate a hysteroscope, minimizing the number of health care professional required to deploy the contraceptive device.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate member having a braided reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of continuous filaments that transform from a braided configuration to short axially oriented segments in a least one location along the catheter. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a braided elongate member including providing a core, forming at least one braided portion with a plurality of filaments and forming at least one short axially oriented segment with at least a portion of the same plurality of filaments.

Abstract: Medical devices having an elongated steerable member are described herein. In one embodiment, a device includes an elongated body having a proximal section, a distal section, and a working lumen extending through the proximal and distal sections, a first coil having a distal portion, and a proximal portion, the proximal portion of the first coil being slidable relative to the proximal section of the elongated body, and being closer to a wall of the elongated body than to an axis of the elongated body, wherein a lengthwise portion of the distal portion of the first coil is anchored to the distal section of the elongated body, and a first steering wire located within a lumen of the first coil.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method for making the device. The guidewire of the present invention is formed, at least in part, of a composite elongate core formed, at least in part, of precipitation hardened material. The elongate core members of the present invention will have an ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity greater than the same for an identically dimensioned elongate member formed from superelastic NITINOL alone.

Abstract: A low profile guiding catheter has a non-round shape for use in delivery of multiple microcatheters for treatment of neurovascular defects, such as for treatment of aneurysms. The low profile guiding catheter includes torque transmittal guidance walls that are flexible linearly but not circumferentially, and that are neither collapsible nor kinkable.

Abstract: An elongate medical device such as a guidewire, that may comprise a first elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen there between, a second elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, the second elongate member at least partially disposed in the first elongate member, a first connection between first elongate member and the second elongate member at the proximal end of the first elongate member, a second connection between the first elongate member and the second elongate member at the distal end of the first elongate member, and a third connection between the first elongate member and the second elongate member, the third connection disposed at a point between the first connection and the second connection, wherein the third connection is substantially at a location selected by the Method for Enhancing the Ratio of Torsional Stiffness to Transverse Flexibility.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing a peripheral catheter having a plurality of diffusion holes.

Abstract: A medical device and method of applying said medical device to deliver drugs and to remove thrombus or soft tissue clots from vascular or other lumens in a patient is presented. The medical device generally comprises an elongated tubular delivery member having a proximal portion and a distal portion that differ in rigidity and a leak-free connector that is in contact with the proximal portion of the delivery member and is compatible for use with fibrinolytic agents and application of a vacuum. The delivery member includes a metal core made out of multiple shaped-wire strands and a polymer overlay disposed about the core. The wire strands, which have both an A-side and a B-side, are helically wound to form a polygonal shaped lumen whose inner diameter is defined by the A-side of the strands.

Abstract: A system and method for localized delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent within a vessel is provided. The system and method provide for adjustability of the length of the treatment area. A catheter system includes an inner elongated element and an outer elongated element positioned coaxially with respect to the inner elongated element. A proximal occlusion element is positioned at the distal end of the outer elongated element, proximal to an outlet port. A distal occlusion element is positioned at a distal end of the inner elongated element. The distal end of the inner elongated element is distal to and movable with respect to the outer elongated element distal end.

Abstract: A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including at least one introducer defining a passage receiving an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between an elongate shape-imparting element received in the lumen and imparting a predetermined shape to the distal end of the elongate tubular member, when the distal end of the elongate tubular member is extended beyond a distal end of the at least one introducer. A distal end of the one-piece shape-imparting element extends from the lumen of the elongate tubular member and is anchored proximal the distal end of the at least one introducer.

Abstract: A medical device including a sheath having an inner liner and an outer layer attachable to a coil independent from each other to allow the inner liner and the outer layer the freedom to move coaxially independent from each other. The coil can be closely wound at a predetermined coil spacing sufficient to inhibit portions of the outer layer from entering into voids between the adjacent coil windings. Intermediate layers for bonding between the coil and the inner liner and/or the outer layer may also be provided. A filler material can be disposed within the voids between the adjacent windings of the coil. The filler material has a dimension sized to bridge the void between adjacent coil windings in order to inhibit portions of the outer layer from bonding to the inner liner. The filler material can be in the form of a ribbon.

Abstract: A sheath and a method for making said sheath are provided. The sheath includes with an inner liner defining a passageway about a longitudinal axis extending longitudinally therethrough. A coil is fitted around at least a part of the inner liner. The coil has a series of windings that are locatable at a continuously smaller distance from the longitudinal axis to form a taper in a distal direction. The tube further includes an outer layer positioned longitudinally over the coil that is adapted to adhere to the inner liner. The coil may be spirally wound such that the windings are disposed at a continuously smaller distance from the longitudinal axis in a longitudinal direction. The sheath can have a tapered passageway or a passageway with a uniform diameter. The sheath preferably has a continuous taper along its outer surface from the proximal end to the distal end.

Abstract: Provided is a medical tube which is flexible and achieves good kink resistant properties and high tensile strength at the same time. Even when connected to another tube, the medical tube maintains the above-mentioned kink resistant properties and tensile strength. A medical tube is provided with at least one coil layer, a first outer layer provided outside the coil layer, and a second outer layer provided outside the first outer layer. The melting point of the material which forms the second outer layer is lower than the melting point of the material forming the first outer layer. The outer surface of the coil layer and the inner surface of the first outer layer are in contact with and affixed to each other in a slidable state.

Abstract: A catheter for providing blood flow includes first and second lumen parts having a distal portion with at least one port for delivering and receiving flow from a patient and a non-linear profile along the distal portion.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to tubular bodies for catheters. An inner tubular catheter body has an inner layer, a braided portion over the inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer is fused to the braided portion for a selected length or lengths of the inner tubular body and is unfused for a selected length or lengths to achieve the desired combination of stiffness and flexibility.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a foldable internal bolster. According to one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter, a first flexible filament and a second flexible filament. The catheter includes a tubular body and a pair of flexible legs. The tubular body is a generally cylindrical member shaped to include a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal lumen, a pair of external notches, a first bore extending from the proximal end to one of the notches, and a second bore extending from the proximal end to the other of the notches. Each of the flexible legs has a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end being integrally formed on the distal end of the tubular body. One end of the first filament is fixed to one of the flexible legs, and the opposite end of the first filament is slidably inserted up through the first bore. One end of the second filament is fixed to the other of the flexible legs, and the opposite end of the second filament is slidably inserted up through the second bore.

Abstract: A flexible, kink-resistant, delivery catheter or sheath (83) for percutaneously delivering implantable medical devices. The delivery catheter sheath includes a flat wire coil (95) with uniform spacing between the turns, which is compression fitted about and proximal the distal portion of an inner, lubricous material polytetrafluoroethylene tube (84). The delivery catheter or sheath further includes an outer tube (85) of a heat formable polyamide material, which is heat formed and compressed through the spaces between the turns of the wire coil to mechanically connect to the roughened outer surface of the inner tube. The distal portion (87) of the inner tube is expanded and everted or folded-back over itself and connected to the distal end of the outer tube to form a lumen having a larger diameter than the rest of the catheter.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter that exhibits the combined features of superior flexibility, softness, radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter includes an elongate shaft having a proximal region, a distal region and a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal region of the shaft includes an inner lubricious polymer layer, a reinforcement layer and an outer layer. The reinforcement layer comprises a braid having one or more metallic members and a plurality of polymer members wherein each polymer member comprises a plurality of monofilaments, preferably formed of LCP. The polymer members of the braid provide improved flexibility and softness in addition to high burst pressure. The metallic member(s) of the braid provide improved radiopacity and oval/kink resistance. The catheter may also include a longitudinal member extending along the reinforcement layer.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: The intravascular catheter has two segments; a proximal segment with high stiffness and a distal segment with lower stiffness. The catheter can also have an intermediate segment of lower stiffness than the proximal segment and higher stiffness than the distal segment. The catheter comprises a polymeric inner tube, a reinforcing inner jacket which is spirally wound over the inner tube and which becomes progressively softer from a proximal end to a distal end, and a polymeric outer sheath extruded over the inner jacket according to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 5,445,624. The reinforcing jacket comprises helical coiled wires or fibers of various materials and layers wound over the inner tube in order to provide improved multi-axial mechanical properties, such as torque, compression, tension and anti-kinking characteristics.

Abstract: In a method and device for mounting an elongated member inside an elongated, elastic, flexible tubing, initially having an inside cross-sectional dimension that is approximately equal to or less than the outside cross-sectional dimension of the elongated member, the inner cross-sectional dimension of the flexible tubing is expanded by applying a pressurized fluid to the inner bore of the tubing, and inserting the elongated member into the tubing while the pressurized fluid is being applied.

Abstract: A hybrid microguide catheter and method for making and using the same. The catheter may include a first tubular member and a second tubular member. The tubular members may be arranged so that the second tubular member extends distally beyond the first tubular member. Alternatively, the catheter may include a tubular body having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening may be positioned along the tubular body a distance from the second opening.

Abstract: An elongate medical device including an inner elongate member, a reinforcing member, and an outer tubular member is described. The reinforcing member may be a helically wound continuous wire including a first portion having a first cross-sectional profile, a second portion having a second cross-sectional profile, and a transition region located between the first portion and the second portion. The first cross-sectional profile may be different from the second cross-sectional profile. In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional profile may be circular or non-circular and the second cross-sectional profile may be circular or non-circular.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section.

Abstract: A catheter body includes a coil body (10) which is formed by winding or stranding metal wires (12) and having a distal portion (16) and a proximal portion. The distance between coils (12) adjacent to each other in the distal portion (16) is greater than the distance between coils (12) adjacent to each other in the proximal portion (18 or 14). The pitch in the distal portion (16) of the coil body (10) is substantially or nearly the same as the pitch in the proximal portion (18 or 14).

Abstract: Catheters having a pre-shaped tip configuration are disclosed. A catheter in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention can include an elongated tubular shaft equipped with a distal tip section having a pre-shaped tip configuration that can be used to facilitate tracking of the device through particular locations of the vasculature. The catheter may include a number of features that transition the stiffness and flexibility characteristics of the device and provide a means to radiographically visualize the catheter within the body.

Abstract: A rapid exchange fluid jet thrombectomy device having a streamlined manifold and a catheter having multiple tubular segments where each tubular segment increases in flexibility in a distal direction. Torque response and pushability is enhanced by the arrangement of a proximally located tubular segment composed of a polymer-jacketed spiral metal tube in combination with an intermediate tubular section and a distal tubular section each having different degrees of flexibility. A guidewire tube exit region is provided where the intermediate tubular section joins the distal tubular section for over-the-wire guidewire usage. The polymer-jacketed spiral metal tube can extend along a partial or full length of the catheter and can include a basic continuous spiral cut which has regions of constant pitch or which has progressively increasing pitch, or in the alternative, can include an interlocking spiral cut having constant pitch regions or progressively decreasing pitch.

Abstract: A guidewire navigable through body vessels of a human subject for delivery of a catheter or the like is provided. The guidewire has a tube which receives a corewire that protrudes beyond a distal portion of the tube. The protruding portion of the corewire is surrounded by a spring and shapeable into a curve or arc. The cross-sectional shape of the spring may be varied in order to promote bending flexibility and curvature or to favor curvature of a chosen type. The corewire is axially movable with respect to the tube, which compresses or stretches the spring to change the stiffness of the spring. The tube has a proximal portion comprised of a relatively rigid material, such as stainless steel, while a distal portion is comprised of a more flexible material, such as a nitinol.

Abstract: Provided is a guidewire including a core shaft, an outer flexible tube, a stranded wire that is disposed parallel to a distal end portion of the core shaft, and an inner flexible tube that surrounds a distal end portion of the core shaft and the stranded wire. The inner flexible tube is disposed in the outer flexible tube so that a distal end thereof is positioned between the distal ends of the core shaft and the stranded wire and a proximal end of the core shaft so as to be separated from the distal ends of the core shaft and the stranded wire. A joint is formed so as to join the distal end of the inner flexible tube, the core shaft, and the stranded wire to each other.

Abstract: Provided is a guidewire including a core shaft, an outer flexible tube, a stranded wire that extends parallel to the core shaft, and a hollow stranded-wire coil disposed in the outer flexible tube. The hollow stranded-wire coil is formed of multiple strands and surrounds the distal end portion of the core shaft and the stranded wire. Distal ends of the hollow stranded-wire coil, the core shaft, and the stranded wire are joined to a distal end of the outer flexible tube.

Abstract: A catheter device having an elongated tubular member with a proximal end and a distal end, and a needle disposed near the distal end. In one embodiment, the needle has a rigid, penetrating tip coupled to a flexible portion by an overlapping joint. The flexible portion enables the needle to bend to a penetrating angle relative to the distal end of the elongated tubular member and penetrate a body tissue without kinking.

Abstract: A catheter for medical procedures comprises a shaft portion having a distal end insertable into a body lumen, the shaft portion having a wall defining a working lumen extending therewithin and a first strengthening element coupled to the wall to increase a burst pressure of the shaft portion, wherein the first strengthening element cooperates with a base material of the wall to define a flexible region of the shaft portion allowing the shaft portion to be atraumatically inserted into the body lumen.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate member having a braided reinforcing layer encased within a polymeric bonding layer. The reinforcing layer comprises a plurality of continuous filaments that transform from a full complement braid configuration to a partial complement braid configuration in a least one location along the catheter. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a braided elongate member including providing a core, forming at least one full complement braid portion with a plurality of filaments and forming at least one partial complement braid portion with a portion of the same plurality of filaments.

Abstract: A graft, for example, an arterio-venous shunt graft, is provided, which in a first aspect of the subject invention, is formed with longitudinal ribs. With fibrotic tissue ingrowth between the ribs, a composite rib/tissue layer is formed about the graft. The ribs provide counteracting lateral force against the embedded tissue to seal punctures formed therethrough during hemodialysis procedures. To provide additional surface area for puncturing, the graft may be formed with a truncated cross-section. With a second aspect of the invention, the graft is mounted onto a strip to prevent kinking, twisting or bending during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: Catheters such as guide catheters can be configured for delivery of devices to vasculature portions such as intracranial spaces while retaining a desired level of flexibility. A catheter having an elongate shaft can include removable support means that can provide column support to the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft can include anchoring means that releasably secure the removable support means. The catheter can be deployed within a patient's vasculature, followed by deploying the removable support means.

Abstract: Stent delivery catheters adapted to provide both flexibility and strength are disclosed. Such stent delivery catheters may have outer shafts adapted for tensile strength and inner shafts adapted for compressive strength. In some instances, at least one of the outer shaft and/or the inner shaft may include a micromachined portion.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an outer shaft comprising a first section of electroactive polymer. The first section of electroactive polymer affecting either the flexibility of the catheter or the steerability of the catheter.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter assembly and method of making the catheter assembly is provided that involves providing a plurality of tubes, each tube having a first end, a second end, at least one lumen, and at least one surface, selectively heating at least a portion of the surface of at least a first tube of the plurality of tubes, and contacting the selectively heated portion of the tube with a portion of the surface of a second tube to form a multilumen catheter shaft that is joined together along at least a portion of the length of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire body having a core wire and a resin coating layer covering an outer periphery of a distal section of the wire body, and an annular member provided on the proximal side of the resin coating layer. The outer diameter of the distal end of the annular member and the outer diameter of the proximal end of the resin coating layer are preferably equal, and a distal end face of the annular member is joined to a proximal end face of the resin coating layer.

Abstract: A guide wire for guiding a medical device within a body lumen is described. The guide wire includes a proximal section, a distal section, and a mid section. The proximal section includes a proximal wire core tapered with contraction towards a proximal end of the proximal wire core. The distal section includes a distal wire core tapered with contraction towards a distal end of the distal wire core. The mid section includes a joint for joining the proximal wire core and the distal wire core. The guide wire also includes a safety wire extending along the mid section, and along at least parts of the proximal and distal sections. Moreover, the guide wire includes an outer tubing enveloping the overlapping joint and at least parts of the proximal and distal sections.