Abstract: An angioplasty and stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state: a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the expandable distal portion of the catheter including a balloon within which or over which there is included on a catheter shaft at least one axially movable or enlargeable body of a diameter larger than the catheter shaft to which the stent and balloon are fitted, as by crimping, for holding the stent in place until it is released therefrom by expansion of the balloon.

Abstract: A blood clot filter which is collapsible toward a central longitudinal axis into a collapsed configuration for insertion into a blood vessel and which is radially expandable outwardly from the longitudinal axis to an expanded configuration for contact with the inner wall of the blood vessel at two longitudinal spaced locations. A first plurality of spaced, elongate arms, in the expanded configuration of the filter, curve outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading end of the filter to form a first filter basket and to center a hub at the trailing end of the filter within the vessel. A second plurality of spaced elongate legs angle outwardly away from the longitudinal axis toward the leading edge of the filter in the expanded configuration thereof to form a second filter basket opening toward the leading end. The ends of these legs include hooks to bend and straighten in response to withdrawal force.

Abstract: A pressure connection device for a guidewire unit that is operated with a pressure medium is provided. A return valve is mounted in the interior of a tube end section of a pressure medium tube of the guidewire unit, the return valve opening for introducing the pressure medium into the pressure medium tube and closing in order to prevent the pressure medium from escaping from the pressure medium tube, and/or a connecting body accommodates the tube end section of the pressure medium tube and has a pressure medium-controlled tube holding element which secures the tube end section to the connecting body in a fluid-tight manner when impinged upon with pressure and, in a pressure-relieved state, releases it so it can be detached from the connecting body.

Abstract: An expandable stent for use within a body passageway having a body member with two ends and a wall surface disposed between the ends. The body member has a first diameter to permit delivery of the body member into a body passageway and a second expanded diameter. The surface of the stent is coated with a biological agent and a polymer which controls the release of the biological agent.

Abstract: Implantable medical endoprosthesis delivery systems and articles are provided.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the percutaneous delivery of an occlusion device inverted within a cannula, its deployment and filling, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the percutaneous delivery of an occlusion device inverted within a cannula, its deployment and filling, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for reducing the size of openings within a heart valve or other opening in the wall of a body lumen by implanting an elastically expanded member around the opening and then permitting the expandable member to contract. The expandable member may encircle a portion of an inflatable member, the distal end of which is inserted through the opening along with the expandable member. The inflatable member is inflated to expand the expandable member and then drawn proximally form the opening to drive projections formed on the expandable member into the valve or wall. The inflatable member is then withdrawn, allowing the expandable member to elastically contract. The inflatable member may have first and second stages, where the second stage is distal of the first stage and has a larger inflated diameter.

Abstract: A device for bridging a neck of an aneurysm, comprises a junction region, one or more radially extending array elements secured to the junction region, each array element having an unfolded shape and a delivery shape; and a cover attached to the junction region, and extending over the delivery shape of the array elements, wherein each array element is attached at one end to the junction region and the array elements are constructed and arranged to unfold the cover when assuming their unfolded shape, and wherein the device further comprises a tip, and each array element is attached at another end to the tip, the tip comprising an opening through which a vaso-occlusive device or occlusion fluid may be delivered.

Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling at least one double-walled filling structure with a curable medium within the aneurysm. The filling structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. Scaffolds are placed into the tubular lumens in order to help maintain the shape, anchor the filling structures in place, and provide improved blood flow transition into and out of the tubular lumens.

Abstract: A liquid embolic delivery system is provided for trapping an injected liquid embolic composition to prevent the liquid embolic from solidifying or otherwise passing outside of an embolization area. The delivery system includes a catheter for delivery of a liquid embolic composition and a containment member positioned at a distal end of the catheter which is shaped to trap the liquid embolic composition delivered through the lumen of the catheter. The containment member is formed as a brush, nest, sponge, swab, flexible sack, or other shape into and around which the liquid embolic composition is injected. The liquid embolic composition is trapped or meshes with the containment member during solidification containing the liquid embolic and preventing the embolic composition from passing into the blood stream.

Abstract: A generally spherical vascular remodeling device is permanently positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device at the junction to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and mechanical or electrolytic release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a first end, a second end substantially opposite to the first end, and a plurality of polymer filaments extending between and coupled at the first end and the second end. Such devices may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or twisted. The device may include a plurality of polymer loops forming a generally spherical shape.

Abstract: An intraluminal apparatus including a catheter and device is positionable at a junction of afferent and efferent vessels of a bifurcation having an aneurysm. After positioning the device to substantially conform the device to the shape of the junction, the device acts as a scaffolding to inhibit herniation of objects out of the aneurysm and the device permits perfusion to the efferent vessels. Positioning the device may include deployment and optional release from a catheter. Embolic material may be inserted in the aneurysm before or after positioning the device. The device may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of filaments extending between and coupled at the proximal end and the distal end. The device may include a central filament configured to reshape the device. The distal end of the device may include a covering. The device may be football shaped, pumpkin shaped, or acorn shaped.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, small cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the ventricular myocardium, more specifically at the left ventricular apex, into the aortic root. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. In an exemplary application, the sheath includes a supported proximal end, a supported distal end, and a collapsible center section.

Abstract: A device for treating vascular malformations includes a primary coil and secondary windings. The primary coil provides resilience and structural integrity while the secondary windings fill interstitial spaces in the primary coil to isolate the vascular malformation. The device may have increased density along a central portion to isolate the malformation. In another aspect, the device may have a central opening through which embolic materials may be delivered.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgery close device used to close an entrance hole into a patient's abdomen with other embodiments that can function as a hemostasis device or as a drain device. An elongated stem with christmas-tree serrations (one way) has an inflatable balloon on a distal end and an anchor disk that can slide over the stem from the proximal end. After inserting the stem into a surgical entrance hole in a patient's abdomen, the balloon can be inflated providing support from the bottom, and the anchor disk can be slid on from the top effectively pinching the tissue along the hole. The device can be left in for around 5-6 days to allow healing to take place. After that, the balloon can be deflated, and the device can be pulled out. A second embodiment has a lager diameter hollow stem and can be used as a hemostasis device where the surgeon can pinch off a bleeding blood vessel and continue surgery through the same entrance port.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering luminal prostheses comprises a catheter body having an expandable member near a distal end. The prosthesis has a side hole, and a guidewire extends beneath a proximal portion of the prosthesis and over the exterior of the expandable member. A distal end of the guidewire is retracted proximally from the closest point on the side opening to reduce possible interference with catheter advancement.

Abstract: Medical devices for filtering fluids flowing through a lumen and a method of forming medical devices. The devices can be used in vascular channels, urinary tracts, biliary ducts and the like, and filter emboli and other debris generated at a treatment site.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention involves employing, in a vascular treatment device, a material which has a magnetic susceptibility which is heat sensitive. The vascular treatment device can then be heated remotely and non-invasively using an applied magnetic field, to a preselected temperature at which the vascular treatment device becomes substantially non-magnetically susceptible.

Abstract: An expandable medical device includes a plurality of cylindrical tubes each formed of a plurality of adjacent struts interconnected at alternating ends. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are expandable from a first diameter to a second diameter at which the adjacent struts form substantially V-shapes. The plurality of cylindrical tubes are arranged with the interconnected ends of the struts aligned facing each other in adjacent cylindrical tubes and a plurality of S-shaped bridging elements connected between the interconnected ends of the struts in adjacent cylindrical tubes. The bridging elements are connected entirely above a midline of the V-shapes on one cylindrical tube and entirely below the midline of the V-shapes on an adjacent cylindrical tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a gastric restriction comprises an applier, an expandable member, and an adhesive. The applier comprises an elongate shaft, and is dimensioned to fit in an esophagus. The applier has a conduit configured to communicate a fluid medium. The expandable member is in fluid communication with the conduit of the applier. The adhesive is positioned on at least a portion of the outer surface of the expandable member. The adhesive is configured to adhere the expanded expandable member to the inner wall of a patient's stomach. The expandable member may have a generally toroid configuration with a stoma, such that the expandable member may provide a gastric restriction when expanded and adhered to the inner wall of a patient's stomach. The expandable member may thus provide a treatment for morbid obesity by reducing food intake, by reducing stomach volume, or otherwise.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable vascular prosthesis configured for use in a wide range of applications, such as treating aneurysms, maintaining patency in a vessel, and allowing for the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel wall. The prosthesis comprises one or more helical sections coupled to one or more anchoring sections having a generally zig-zag or cell-like configuration. The prosthesis is configured to conform to a vessel wall without substantially remodeling the vessel, and further is configured to be precisely deployed in a vessel without shifting or foreshortening during deployment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an implantable vascular prosthesis configured for use in a wide range of applications, such as treating aneurysms, maintaining patency in a vessel, and allowing for the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel wall. The prosthesis comprises a helical proximal section coupled to a distal anchoring section having a generally zig-zag configuration. The prosthesis is configured to comply to a vessel wall without substantially remodeling the vessel, and further is configured to be precisely deployed in a vessel without shifting during deployment. The prosthesis also has a substantially small delivery profile compared to other known stents, while having an increased surface area to enhance delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A stent delivery device includes a distal-side tube having a guide wire lumen; a proximal-side tube whose distal portion is fixed to a proximal portion of the distal-side tube; a cylindrical member which encloses a distal side of the distal-side tube and is slidable toward a proximal end of the distal-side tube; a stent accommodated in the cylindrical member; and a pulling member 6 for moving the cylindrical member toward a proximal side of the stent delivery device. The distal-side tube has a proximal-side opening which is open at the proximal side of the distal-side tube; and a stent-locking portion for preventing the stent from moving to the proximal side of the stent delivery device. The outer diameter of the proximal-side tube is set smaller than that of a portion, having a maximum diameter, which is disposed in a region of the stent delivery device which is distal from the proximal-side tube.

Abstract: This is a device for occluding a space within the body. In particular, the device comprises an expandable member, an inner member and one or more stop elements. The devices may be placed in a desired site within a mammal to facilitate the formation of an occlusion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a neck bridge for bridging the neck of an aneurysm includes a junction region, a number of radially extending array elements attached to the junction region, and a cover attached to one or both of the junction region and an array element. The array elements are configured to be positioned within the aneurysm after the neck bridge is deployed from a delivery device. In a second embodiment, the neck bridge includes a junction region and a braided or mesh-like structure secured to the junction region. The braided or mesh-like structure is made from an elastic material.

Abstract: Various intravascular stents, such as intracoronary stents, include improved expansion and connecting strut designs. Such stents can be both very flexible and fully cover vessel surface inside the vascular lumen, and be well designed for both the delivery phase and the deployed phase of the stent life cycle.

Abstract: A biopsy marker deployment device is provided herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, the deployment device includes a deployment assembly and an actuator configured to selectively actuate the deployment assembly. The deployment assembly is configured to selectively deposit a marker in a biopsy site through at least one aperture and to substantially reduce space between the aperture and the deployment assembly.

Abstract: An angioplasty and stent delivery system to facilitate introduction and placement of a stent, including a catheter having an expandable distal portion constructed and arranged for expanding the outer diameter of the catheter from a contracted state to an expanded state: a stent positioned around the distal portion of the catheter having a contracted condition and being expandable to an expanded condition, and being sized in the contracted condition to closely surround the catheter in the contracted state, the expandable distal portion of the catheter including a balloon within which or over which there is included on a catheter shaft at least one axially movable or enlargeable body of a diameter larger than the catheter shaft to which the stent and balloon are fitted, as by crimping, for holding the stent in place until it is released therefrom by expansion of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aortic valvuloplasty catheter which, in one preferred embodiment, has a tapered distal balloon segment that anchors within the left ventricle outflow track of the patient's heart and a rounded proximal segment which conforms to the aortic sinuses forcing the valve leaflets open. In addition, this embodiment of the valvuloplasty catheter includes a fiber-based balloon membrane, a distal pigtail end hole catheter tip, and a catheter sheath.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment and filling of an inflatable occlusion device via a percutaneous procedure, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for tissue dissection and instrument anchoring and methods for using such apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus includes a cannula, a dissection balloon releasably attached to the cannula at the distal end, an anchoring balloon disposed on the cannula, and a means for inflating both balloons.

Abstract: An aneurysm embolization device includes at least: a sac-shaped balloon dome part which is inserted into the aneurysm, then expanded and left therein; and a balloon plane part which is provided at an opening of the balloon dome part and covers a mouth part of the aneurysm. The balloon plane part has a hole communicating with the inside of the balloon dome part. The aneurysm embolization device thus constituted is housed into a lumen of a protective outer sheath member formed of a flexible elongated-body having the lumen therein. A tip part of the protective outer sheath member is placed at a desired position, and the aneurysm embolization device is ejected from the tip part of the protective outer sheath member. The aneurysm embolization device thus ejected includes the balloon dome part placed at a desired position and the balloon plane part deploying to cover the desired position.

Abstract: A new endoluminal prosthesis for use in sealing a vascular graft to corporeal lumen provides for a flattened bulbous tail at the end of each cell of the prosthesis. The flattened bulbous tails reduce the amount of wear between the prosthesis and the softer material of the vascular grafts or corporeal lumen walls. A method of manufacturing a stent from a flat sheet of material is also included.

Abstract: Medical device delivery systems that include a distal protection feature are provided. A distal tip member that includes a distal protection device and a mounting region for a self-expandable, intraluminal medical device is slidably disposed within a passageway defined by a tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices for forming occluding the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices comprising an implantable device, an attachment assembly and a stretch-resistant member secured to the attachment assembly and to the implantable device. Also disclosed are methods of making and using these devices.

Abstract: The present invention is an aneurysm treatment device for treating aneurysms of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices, especially vaso-occlusive devices or embolic coils, are delivered by an apparatus that includes a pullwire having a tine or tines that have an offset orientation that engages a therapeutic device. The pullwire passes through an opening of a headpiece. When the pullwire moves in a relative proximal direction, the tine moves toward a straight-line orientation, and the therapeutic device is liberated from the tine and from the pullwire. At this state, the therapeutic device is ready for deployment at a desired intraluminal location.

Abstract: A method of surgically treating occlusive disease in an intraluminal tissue using both a retractor (6) and a retractable one-piece stent. The stent is constructed and arranged such that it can exist in at least a stable initial collapsed state (12) and a stable deployed expanded state (10). In conjunction with the retractor, the stent is positioned at an appropriate location within an occluded intraluminal tissue and converted from a stable initial collapsed state to a stable deployed expanded state, and is then converted to a collapsed state and removed before significant restenosis occurs.

Abstract: A stiffened balloon apparatus with increased flexibility is provided for use in the human body. The stiffened balloon apparatus incorporates one or more stiffeners having at least one thinned area to facilitate bending or flexing of the stiffener as the apparatus is navigated through a passage. The thinned area of a stiffening member facilitates navigation of the stiffened balloon apparatus through a curved passage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices for forming occluding the vasculature of a patient. More particularly, disclosed herein are vaso-occlusive devices having a textured outer surface for promoting tissue in-growth.

Abstract: Described is an inflatable implant suitable for placement in the human body and left there for an indeterminate and potentially lengthy period of time. The implant is one that has a low profile when introduced into the body and a larger profile when it is inflated with one or more filler materials. Depending upon design and use choices the delivered implant may be removable and adjustable in situ in size, position, location, form, and rigidity. Indeed, in some variations, the design of the implant may be such that it may be removed at a potentially fairly lengthy time after implantation. The implant includes at least one bladder wall that generally is at least partially non-elastic (or unexpandable) after the preselected size is reached. The bladder wall will define at least one fillable volume and may form more than one independent fillable volumes. The bladder wall, in some variations, may be partially elastic or expandable to permit adjustment of implant size or configuration after or during delivery.

Abstract: Described herein are vascular access sheaths having an integrated electrode therein. Also described are assemblies comprising the sheaths as well as methods of making and using the vascular access sheaths.

Abstract: A flexible cardiac catheter for sensing electrical activity within and administering therapy to a patients' heart has a series of flexible, conductive electrode bands positioned in grooves in the catheter's tubular body. The bands consist of alternating flexible and conductive elements, providing flexibility and overall versatility to the catheter. The electrode bands have controllable flexibility due to the elastic properties of the flexible elements and continuous uninterrupted electrical current conductance from the one-piece design of the conductive element. The synergy of the components of the composite flexible and conductive bands will help solve problems current electrode bands have and will allow for a freedom in the design of catheter electrode band configurations in the future.

Abstract: The disclosure describes apparatuses and methods for the luminal delivery of therapeutic devices. The apparatus includes a decoupling assembly comprising a retention element, a energy-responsive element and a thermally sensitive element. The application of heat to the thermally sensitive element alters its configuration such that it no longer maintains the retention element in engagement with the therapeutic device, releasing the therapeutic device.

Abstract: Aneurysms are treated by filling a double-walled filling structure with a curable medium. The structures may be delivered over balloon deployment mechanisms in order to shape and open tubular lumens therethrough. The filling structures are preferably used in pairs for providing flow into the iliac arteries when treating abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract: An expandable endovascular implant (10) of the stent type is described, which is suitable in particular for occlusion of a blood vessel (31). The implant comprises a circumferential tubular wall extending about a longitudinal axis and composed of a radially expandable, flexible lattice structure, said wall enclosing a cylindrical hollow space with a cross section, characterized in that the cylindrical hollow space defined by the wall is narrowed at least one location along its axis.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent and graft includes a stent made of a continuous helix of zig-zag wire and loops which connect adjacent apices of the wire. The stent is compressible and self-expandable substantially to a pre-compressed configuration. The device also includes a graft secured to the stent and made of a suitable biocompatible material.

Abstract: This is an implant for placement in the human body and an assembly for so placing that implant. Most desirably, it is an implant for use in the vasculature of the human body and is used to occlude some space in that vasculature as a portion of a treatment regimen. The implant itself is preferably a component of a deployment device using an electrolytically severable joint. The implant component is at least partially covered with a highly resistive or insulative covering. The highly resistive or insulative layer or covering appears to enhance the susceptibility of the electrolytic joint to quick erosion and thus detachment of the implant. Although the implant itself is preferably a vaso-occlusive device, it may instead be a stent, a vena cava filter, or other implant which may be installed in this manner. The implant may be independently coated with insulative or resistive material or may be formed using a material with such as tantalum, which forms such an insulator or resistor in situ.