Abstract: Methods of coating a stent subsequent to mounting or crimping of the stent on a balloon of a catheter assembly are disclosed. One method includes forming a sacrificial layer on a balloon of a catheter assembly; followed by mounting a stent on the balloon, the stent including struts separated by gaps; followed by forming a stent coating on the stent; and followed by removal of the sacrificial layer. Another method includes mounting a stent on a balloon, the stent including struts separated by gaps; followed by forming a sacrificial layer on the balloon in the areas of the gaps between struts of the stent; followed by forming a coating on the stent; and followed by removing the sacrificial layer, wherein the coating remains on an outer surface of the stent.

Abstract: Composite fiber reinforced balloons for medical devices prepared by applying a web of fibers to the exterior of a preformed underlying balloon and encasing the web with a matrix material to form a composite balloon. The fiber web is applied to at least the cone portion of the underlying balloon form. Either the cone portion of the underlying balloon form, or the web fibers applied to said cone portion, or both, have a friction-enhancing material coated thereon.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ablating tissue surrounding a tubular anatomical structure such as the wall of a blood vessel or prostatic tissue surrounding the urethra. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic emitter such as a cylindrical emitter and an inflatable annular lens balloon surrounding the ultrasonic emitter. The lens balloon is inflated with a liquid having acoustic velocity different than that of the surrounding medium, so as to form an annular refracting surface. The acoustic energy from the emitter is focused into an annular focal region.

Abstract: A medical device in which a melt processed part has different crystallized properties at different locations. The part is formed of a polymer composition by inclusion a of polymer crystallization modifier in the composition making up at least a portion of such part, the amount of the polymer crystallization modifier is varied at different locations on the part in accordance with the desired difference in crystallization behavior.

Abstract: Methods for cardiac ventricular restoration include delivering an implantable expandable device into the ventricle via a catheter. The expandable device is anchored either to the wall of the left ventricle or to the inter-ventricular septum and then expanded. When expanded, the device assumes a size and shape which fills the lower portion of the ventricular cavity restoring the normal volume and ellipsoid shape of the remaining portion of the cavity and favorably altering myocardial oxygen demand and wall stress.

Abstract: A medicament injection kit, for use in occluding a renal artery and a renal vein in a kidney and injecting a therapeutic medicament into the kidney so as to pressurize the kidney, includes: an artery catheter which includes a first balloon capable of occluding the renal artery; a vein catheter which includes a second balloon capable of occluding the renal vein; a syringe for injecting the therapeutic medicament, the syringe being capable of being connected to at least one of the artery catheter and the vein catheter; and a syringe for pressurizing the inside of the kidney by injecting a liquid, the syringe being capable of being connected to at least one of the artery catheter and the vein catheter.

Abstract: A self-retaining catheter that eliminates the problem of residual urine and also of bladder wall irritation caused by continuous contact with a spherical retention balloon which does not rely on a stylet for placement. The system may use an internal control wire that reversibly foreshortens the proximal end of the catheter thus radially displacing longitudinal strips defined in the proximal catheter to form retention wings. Alternatively, a balloon situated between the longitudinal strips is inflated to force open the retention wings once inside the urinary bladder. Radial displacement of the retention wings widens the spaces between the longitudinal strips, these spaces constituting the drainage apertures which permit complete emptying of the urinary bladder. The radially displaced retention wings abut the bladder wall in a non-continuous manner thereby reducing the area of bladder-catheter contact and further reducing bladder wall irritation.

Abstract: The medical balloon catheter of the present invention comprises a catheter shaft composed of a distal end shaft and a proximal end shaft and a balloon on the distal end of the distal end shaft, wherein the proximal end shaft is composed of a single member and the distal end portion of the proximal end shaft is lower in rigidity than the other parts thereof. The present invention also provides a medical balloon catheter having a structure in which a tube for passing a guidewire inside thereof is arranged so as to pass inside the balloon and the balloon and tube are fused together in the vicinity of the distal end of the catheter, wherein the ratio of the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion on the distal end side of the tube to the outer diameter of the proximal end portion is no less than 0.85.

Abstract: A process for producing a catheter having a head, a shaft, a distal end, and a tip member wherein the tip member is secured onto the distal end of the catheter during production of the tip member. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a process for producing a catheter. The process including providing a catheter with a proximal end, a shaft, an interior, an exterior, and a distal end; and producing a balloon member having a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the distal end of the balloon member is attached to the distal end of the catheter during production of the balloon member.

Abstract: A system for protecting a stent from contact during loading comprises a stent, a protective sleeve disposed about the stent and a loading tool. The inner diameter of the protective sleeve is greater than the outer diameter of the stent. The protective sleeve has a length longer than that of the stent. The portion of the sleeve extending beyond the length of the stent defines a sleeve extension. The loading tool is positioned about at the stent retaining sleeve of a catheter. The tip region of the loading tool separates the protective sleeve and the stent from one another when the protective sleeve is pulled over the tip region of the loading tool. When the protective sleeve is pulled over the tip region of the loading tool the stent is advanced into a lumen defined by the stent retaining sleeve of the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating rectovaginal fistulas, including a cannula of a predetermined length, open-ended on its first end having an inflatable balloon portion on its closed second end; the first end of the cannula further comprising a cone portion along its length to seal up against the exterior wall entrance to the rectum, after the second end of the cannula has been inserted into a patient's rectum; a fluid line is positioned within the cannula space for inflating the balloon after the cannula is in place in the rectum to seal the distal end of the rectum passage; a plurality of openings are provided along the wall of the cannula between the balloon and the cone at the first end of the cannula; a colored gel or other fluid insertable into the cannula to the extent that the gel or other fluid escapes the cannula through the openings and enters the void between the cannula and the wall of the rectum, with sufficient gel or other fluid entering the void so that gel or fluid would seep into any fistulas prese

Abstract: A delivery device applies a biocompatible and biodegradable barrier material to a tissue region, e.g., to seal a vascular puncture site. The material comprises two liquid components, which are pre-packaged in individual dispensers. Upon mixing, the liquid components cross-link to create a barrier matrix. A holder attaches to the delivery device. The holder mutually supports the first and second dispensers while the protein solution and polymer solution are conveyed from the dispensers into a fluid delivery channel. The protein and polymer solutions mix as a result of flow through the channel.

Abstract: A novel device and method for preventing restenosis and streamlining the angioplasty procedure. The device and method provide a fiberoptic guidewire, or, alternatively, a light-conducting catheter, to decrease the size of the angioplasty device, decrease the overall time of the procedure, and increase the safety of the procedure. The present invention delivers radiation to a sclerotized area after balloon angioplasty treatment to prevent restenosis Radiation delivered via the catheter or fiberoptic guidewire discourages the cell proliferation and cell growth after angioplasty, thereby improving the chances of avoiding restenosis.

Abstract: An esophageal balloon catheter capable of quickly and safely providing esophageal gauging and stenting as well as gastric aspiration during esophageal surgery. The esophageal balloon catheter includes (i) a shaft which defines a gastric lumen and an inflation lumen, (ii) a single inflatable balloon sealingly attached to the shaft at a fixed longitudinal position proximate the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the inflation lumen, and (iii) an aspiration port through the shaft between the balloon and the distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with the gastric lumen. The gastric lumen is not in fluid communication with the inflation lumen or the balloon so as to allow aspiration of the stomach without causing inflation or deflation of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a balloon, an inner shaft, an outer shaft and a transition shaft. The transition shaft has a proximal portion and a distal portion joined by a tapered portion. The proximal portion has a diameter greater than the distal portion. The proximal portion has a first end portion engaged to at least a portion of the outer shaft at a first engagement site. At least a portion of the proximal waist is engaged to the proximal portion of the transition shaft at a second engagement site. At least a portion of the end region of the inner shaft is engaged to the distal portion of the transition shaft at a third engagement site. The distal portion extends through the balloon wherein at least a portion of the distal waist of the balloon is engaged to the distal portion of the transition shaft at a forth engagement site.

Abstract: A catheter includes a distal end, a proximal end, an outer tube extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and an inner tube extending through the outer tube. The distal end including a corrugated section attached to an end of the inner tube and an asymmetric balloon attached to the outer tube and configured to deflect the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A combination of urethane polymeric components provides desired characteristics in forming medical instruments such as catheters and balloons for dilatation catheters. For example, a balloon material is formed form a blend of urethane polymeric components, including a first polymeric component having a first glass transition temperature and a second polymeric component having a second glass transition temperature. The first polymeric component can be branched or straight chain of thermoplastic polyurethane compound having a glass transition temperature polyurethane compound having a glass transition temperature higher than normal human body temperature. The second polymeric component can be a second thermoplastic polyurethane having a glass transition temperature equal to or lower than normal human body temperature. The polymeric blend can be heat treated to further enhance the properties or stability of the balloon material, including significantly increasing burst pressure.

Abstract: A cardioplegia catheter is configured to extend into the ascending aorta with a proximal portion of the shaft extending into a left chamber of the heart through a aortic valve and out of the heart through a penetration in a wall thereof. The cardioplegia catheter has an occlusion member configured to occlude the ascending aorta between the brachiocephalic artery and the coronary ostia. An arterial return cannula delivers oxygenated blood to the arterial system downstream of the occlusion member, while cardioplegic fluid is delivered through a lumen in the cardioplegia catheter upstream of the occlusion member to induce cardioplegic arrest.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treatment of stroke are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention disposes at least one catheter having a distal occlusive member in the common carotid artery of the hemisphere of the cerebral occlusion. Retrograde flow may be provided through the catheter to effectively control cerebral flow characteristics. Under such controlled flow conditions, a thrombectomy device may be used to treat the occlusion, and any emboli generated are directed into the catheter.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon catheter having a collapsible variable diameter inner tube.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for gaining access into the uterine cavity in order to perform minimally invasive surgery or diagnostic procedures related to a uterus and fallopian tubes, includes a single-lumen catheter; and an elongated balloon disposed distally on the single-lumen catheter for insertion into a cervical canal of the uterus. The balloon has opposing portions which occlude openings of the cervical canal when inflated. A fluid displacement sleeve is slidably disposed over the single-lumen catheter. The sleeve is moveable over the elongated balloon to inflate the portions of the balloon which are adjacent the opposite openings of the cervical canal when the balloon is inserted therein. Because there is no need for a balloon inflation lumen, the outer diameter of the catheter can be minimized and the cost of the apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic occlusion for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. A catheter is advanced into the descending aorta, the catheter having a proximal region, a distal region, and an expandable member mounted on the distal region. The expandable member is located downstream from the takeoff of a carotid artery. The expandable member is expanded to at least partially obstruct blood flow in the aorta. A physiologic parameter is measured that indicates adequacy of cerebral perfusion. The expansion of the expandable member is adjusted based on the measured physiologic parameter. Other medical devices, such as an atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the occluder to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating congestive heart failure using a catheter having an inlet end configured for placement in the source of arterial blood such as the aorta, left ventricle or a femoral artery, and an outlet end having at least one conduit configured to be placed in the renal arteries. The catheter includes a lumen through which blood passes from the aorta or left ventricle directly to the renal artery, means for engaging the first conduit with renal artery. The means for engaging also may reduce backflow of blood into the abdominal aorta. The catheter preferably is configured to permit percutaneous, transluminal implantation. Methods of using and implanting the catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A combination dilatation and drug delivery device includes a flexible catheter, a drug delivery sheath mounted to a distal end region of the catheter and a dilatation balloon also mounted to the catheter and contained within a compartment formed by the sheath. The sheath is radially expandable by supplying a liquid therapeutic agent to the compartment under a moderate pressure. The dilatation balloon is expandable by providing a dilatation fluid to the balloon under a much higher pressure. The sheath can be formed of a highly elastic material or can be made quite thin, and in either case is mounted independently of the dilatation balloon. Thus when radially expanded, the sheath is moved into a conforming contact with surrounding vascular tissue. The conforming contact protects tissue and the therapeutic agent from exposure to blood, and more effectively confines the therapeutic agent to the intended treatment area.

Abstract: A portion of a medical device formed from a melt blend of a polyesterimide anhydride liquid crystal polymer and at least one other polymer.

Abstract: A method for increasing cerebral blood flow is described. A catheter is inserted into the descending aorta, the catheter having a proximal region, a distal region, and at least one expandable member mounted on the distal region. The expandable member is positioned downstream from the takeoff of the brachiocephalic artery. The expandable member is expanded to at least partially obstruct blood flow in the aorta. The expandable member is then cycled between greater and lesser obstruction of blood flow. In this manner, renal ischemia and lower limb ischemia is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manually injecting fluid into a patient with improved contrast visualization are disclosed. The apparatus includes a syringe having a cylinder in which a plunger is reciprocatingly mounted. The syringe is connected to a manifold which itself is connected to a source of radiopaque contrast. Retraction of the plunger within the cylinder draws contrast into the cylinder, and depression of the plunger forces the contrast through the manifold and into a patient through a catheter. In order to increase the speed of injection and thus the visualization of the contrast, an improved visualization device is provided which may be provided in the form of a heater or, alternatively, in the form of an expandible catheter. The heater may be positioned anywhere within the apparatus to elevate the temperature of the contrast material, which in turn reduces its viscosity and thereby increases the speed with which fluid may be injected.

Abstract: Guidewire-deliverable devices and methods of using the devices for separating adjacent layers of tissue and for delivering a surgical prosthesis to an operating site. A guidewire-delverable cannula provides an elongate window for accessing the operating site with a tissue-separating device. The tissue-separating device may include one of several types of an inflatable balloon or a tissue-dissecting member. The tissue-separating balloon may simultaneously deliver the prosthesis during tissue separation and may further be detached to remain with the prosthesis over the operating site. Alternatively, the prosthesis may be separately provided after the adjacent layers of tissue have been separated.

Abstract: A medical material and a medical device comprising an aromatic vinyl compound/&agr;-olefin random copolymer according to the present invention, are materials which contain substantially no chlorine and which have not only excellent flexibility, transparency and proper resilience but also radiation resistance and biocompatibility, and they are hence advantageously used especially in the medical field.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter, an expandable occluding member and a constricting member. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter, an atherectomy catheter, and a blood filter, into the carotid artery. The occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter, and the constrictor is mounted distal to the port. Manometers may be mounted distal to the occluder and/or the constrictor for measuring pressure proximal and distal to the constrictor. A pump, operably associated with a shunt mounted through a second occluder, may be used instead of the constrictor to facilitate passage of blood through the second occluder. Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during carotid procedures by reversing blood flow in the internal carotid artery toward the external carotid artery are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating female stress-induced incontinence and other similar diseases associated with weakening of the pelvic floor muscles. A guiding catheter with temperature sensor(s) is positioned in patient's urethra. An inflatable balloon carried by a forward end of the catheter is inflated to sit in a neck of a bladder. Measuring indicia on the exterior of the catheter is indicative of a distance between the bladder neck and external meatus. A vagina probe member provided with a laser output in a forward portion thereof is then positioned in place such that the laser output is at about a level of the bladder neck, as facilitated by the guiding catheter. The laser output is operationally connected to a medical laser generating and monitoring device that delivers a laser beam to selected areas in the pelvic floor to cause denaturing and recoiling of the tissue collagen in the area surrounding the urethra.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiation-crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer composition, a process for the preparation thereof, an angioplasty balloon made using such a composition, and a method of using the angioplasty balloon. The composition contains a reactive monomer cross-linker, that facilitates cross-linking of the reaction product upon contact of the cross-linker-containing composition with a particle beam from a radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an intestinal sample of a human or animal patient comprises a holder part (1) and an expandable part (2) supported by the holder part and having one or more sampling areas (8) on the surface thereof. The expandable part (2) is in a non-expanded state rectally insertable into and retractable from the patient's intestine, and in an expanded state, inserted into the patient's intestine, the expandable part is capable of contacting the intestinal wall with at least one sampling area (8; 14). The apparatus further comprises protective livers (7a, 7b) for preventing said sampling area or areas (8) from contact with the intestinal wall and intestinal fluid at least when the expandable part (2) in the non-expanded state is being rectally inserted into the patient's intestine.

Abstract: A retention member and a feeding tube having a feeding lumen and an inflation lumen. The retention member including a sleeve section, an expandable section, and a shoulder section of decreasing wall thickness therebetween. The sleeve section sealingly engages the feeding tube distal end and the expandable section everts about the shoulder section to sealingly engage the feeding tube and define an expandable lumen in communication with the inflation lumen.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a perfusion lumen communicating with a blood vessel, and a magnetically driven impeller disposed in the perfusion lumen to increase blood flow through the catheter and the arteries.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having improved flexibility in and about its distal end is provided. The flexibility of the catheter is determined in part by improving the properties of a wire or catheter located within the area where the balloon is mounted. In one aspect of the present invention, connecting wires extend through the balloon from the distal end of a catheter body to the proximal end of a core wire. The core wire extends distally away from the connecting wires and the catheter body. In another aspect of the present invention, a core wire is provided having a proximal end extending within the balloon into the catheter tubular body but is not mounted therein. This allows the proximal end of the core wire to “float” within the tubular body, such that when the catheter is advanced through the vasculature of a patient, the core wire may move longitudinally within the tubular body.

Abstract: A vascular catheter assembly includes an over-the-wire stent deployment catheter and a flow-by-channel assembly. The stent deployment catheter is positioned just below the occluded artery in accordance with standard procedures. The flow-by-channel then shunts blood, and thus all friable plaque, from the high pressure carotid occlusion to the negative pressure extremity to effectively reverse the flow of blood through the occluded artery. The stent is then advanced into the narrowed artery and deployed. Thus, the vascular catheter assembly takes advantage of the collateral blood flow to solve the problem of stroke during endovascular procedures.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing vascular disease in a living organism. The method includes delivering an effective amount of a composition including a sex hormone, anti-hormone, sex-hormone agonist, steroid-hormone inhibitor/antagonist (partial or full), selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), or a combination thereof, to an affected area of a living organism.

Abstract: A urodynamic catheter incorporating at least one balloon adjacent a distal end thereof and associated with a pressure lumen extending to a proximal end to be placed external to the body of a patient and usable with a transducer housing including a pressure transducer and a mechanism for alternatively venting an air column defined by the assembled pressure lumen and transducer housing to the ambient environment and closing the air column and charging it with air while reducing volume of the air column. One embodiment includes two, separately-chargeable balloons and a bladder fill tube, another embodiment includes a single balloon and a fill tube, and yet another embodiment, suitable for use as a reference catheter to measure abdominal pressure, includes only a single balloon and omits the fill tube. A novel catheter architecture and assembly technique are also disclosed, as are methods of using the inventive catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheter balloons for medical devices. In particular, the present invention provides biaxially oriented semi-compliant catheter balloons comprising acrylonitrile polymers, acrylonitrile copolymers, and acrylonitrile blends, and methods of making same. The catheter balloons provided herein exhibit relatively high tensile strength, controlled compliance, reduced tendency for pinholing, ease of coating with and of bonding to other compounds, as well as resistance to moisture.

Abstract: An arterial perfusion cannula and method for achieving cardiopulmonary bypass during heart surgery. The arterial perfusion cannula is inserted peripherally into a preselected arterial vessel and advanced within the vessel and positioned in the ascending aorta cephalid of the junction of the coronary arteries with the aortic root. The arterial cannula has an arterial return lumen for returning oxygenated blood from to the patient from a cardiopulmonary bypass system. The arterial perfusion cannula further has a cardioplegia/venting lumen for the passage of cardioplegia solution to arrest the heart or for the evacuation of blood from the aortic root. An expandable occlusion member is provided for internal occlusion of the ascending aorta between the coronary arteries and the brachiocephalic artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter having a tubular basic body with distal and proximal ends, and at least one lumen extending between the proximal and the distal ends. A balloon is attached to the basic body close to the distal end which is connected with the lumen, so that the balloon may be selectively expanded by means of supplying a medium under pressure through the lumen. The balloon has at least one safety stop, which may extend between the distal and the proximal end of the balloon.

Abstract: A single, multichannel catheter useful for extracorporeal circulation of blood to a patient undergoing cardiovascular treatments or surgery. The catheter has three independent channels and an expandable balloon at one end of the catheter. The first channel is the largest and is of a size that allows for delivery of blood to a patient in an amount sufficient to maintain the patient's metabolism and perfusion throughout the treatment or surgery. A second channel, smaller than the first, is integrated into the wall of the first channel and is suitable for delivering a biologically active fluid (e.g., for cardioplegia) to the heart and/or venting the left heart. A third channel, also smaller than the first, is integrated into the wall of the first channel and suitable for delivering a fluid to the balloon for its expansion when positioned in the ascending aorta to occlude the flow of blood to the heart. It is important that the first channel accounts for at least about 70% of the total channel volume.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter capable of both rapid-exchange and over-the-wire modes of operation having a relatively long proximal shaft portion, a relatively short distal section and an intermediate shaft section, which connects the proximal shaft section and the distal shaft section. In one embodiment, the intermediate shaft section includes a guide wire port and a first guide wire lumen which extends throughout both the intermediate and distal shaft section, and a second guide wire lumen which extends throughout the entire catheter shaft. In another embodiment, the intermediate shaft section includes a y-lumen junction which allows a first guide wire lumen introduced at the intermediate shaft section and a second guide wire lumen extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft throughout the proximal shaft section to merge and communicate with a single distal guide wire lumen which extends from the intermediate shaft section to the distal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Guidewire-deliverable devices and methods of using the devices for separating adjacent layers of tissue and for delivering a surgical prosthesis to an operating site. A guidewire-deliverable cannula provides an elongate window for accessing the operating site with a tissue-separating device. The tissue-separating device may include one of several types of an inflatable balloon or a tissue-dissecting member. The tissue-separating balloon may simultaneously deliver the prosthesis during tissue separation and may further be detached to remain with the prosthesis over the operating site. Alternatively, the prosthesis may be separately provided after the adjacent layers of tissue have been separated.

Abstract: Balloons and balloon catheters with superior overall combination of distensibility, elastic stress response and strength. The improved properties of a balloons result from the method or process used to form the balloons, as well as the polymeric materials used in said balloon forming process. Additionally, the enhanced combination of properties of the balloons will not be adversely affected by the novel sterilization process contemplated by this invention.

Abstract: An improved perfusion system for a dilatation catheter includes inlet openings disposed at an acute angle with the normal direction of vascular flow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of diverting blood from the adult retro hepatic Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) and the shunting of renal and infra renal IVC blood to the right atrium when desired during surgery on the liver, its vessels, or the retro hepatic IVC. The device has a distal component of critical length for the adult supra renal IVC. It is symmetrical on its mid horizontal axis permitting similar utility whether venous access was above or below the liver. It is a hollow plastic tube with two openings, one at each end of the tube, which has four intervening completely encircling balloons and is continuous with a proximal component which serves to manipulate the distal component within the venous system and to remotely inflate the balloons.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprising a body and first and second arms attached to one end of the body. A common inflation lumen extends along the body and branches into each of the arms. An expandable balloon is provided on each arm so as to be in fluid communication with the lumen of each arm. The catheter further includes a guide wire lumen in each of the arms. A method for dilating a narrowed bifurcated vessel is also disclosed.