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: 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: A vascular occlusion device for occluding a body cavity. The device includes an elongate member having an inflation lumen, an occlusion lumen, and a first portion extending distally from a proximal end and a second portion extending distally from the first portion to the distal end. An inflatable proximal balloon is disposed about the first portion and an inflatable distal balloon is disposed about the second portion. The inflation lumen is configured to inflate at least one of the balloons. The occlusion lumen is configured to introduce an occlusive material into the body cavity by way of an occlusion port located between the two balloons to occlude the body cavity. In some examples, the body cavity includes a patent foramen ovale.

Abstract: An embolization device for occluding a body cavity includes one or more elongated, expansible, hydrophilic embolizing elements non-releasably carried along the length of an elongated filamentous carrier that is preferably made of a very thin, highly flexible filament or microcoil of nickel/titanium alloy. At least one expansile embolizing element is non-releasably attached to the carrier. A first embodiment includes a plurality of embolizing elements fixed to the carrier at spaced-apart intervals along its length. In second, third and fourth embodiments, an elongate, continuous, coaxial embolizing element is non-releasably fixed to the exterior surface of the carrier, extending along a substantial portion of the length of the carrier proximally from a distal tip, and optionally includes a lumenal reservoir for delivery of therapeutic agents. Exemplary methods for making these devices include skewering and molding the embolizing elements.

Abstract: Described herein are various implant delivery methods and systems that include a detachable link for connecting an implantable device and a control wire. The detachable link can include an elongate body comprising a first arm with a mating surface having a slot extending the width of the elongate body and a second arm having a mating surface that includes a extension portion adapted to mate with the slot. A guide member can extend between the first and second arms and inhibit relative transverse and/or rotational movement between the first and second arms.

Abstract: An occluding device including expandable scaffold and a flow-limiting member is described. In some embodiments the scaffold is an expandable or self-expanding stent deliverable over a guide wire. The flow-limiting member can include a valve that can be closed following deployment. On deployment the stent and flow-limiting member can engage an inner surface of a body cavity lumen, blocking flow of material. In some embodiments the body cavity is a blood vessel, and the device can be used to block blood flow. In some embodiments the device includes bioactive agents.

Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide devices and methods for treating abnormalities. For example, a device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of planes of occlusion, at least one plane of occlusion comprising a plurality of layers of occlusive material. The device is configured to at least partially occlude an abnormality.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices, systems and methods for increasing blood pressure in a blood vessel by introducing an anchor within that traps a particle capable of increasing in volume as it is exposed to blood flow. As the particle increases in volume, it serves to decrease the cross sectional area of the blood vessel, resulting in decreased blood flow and increased blood pressure. This invention may be used to arterialize blood vessels in the venous system to prepare them for an exposure to arterial pressures.

Abstract: Thin film devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or body vessel are provided. The devices are movable from an elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. Open slots in selected portions of the device telescope as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the associated portions to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while also decreasing in porosity for preventing blood flow. Closed slits in other portions of the device open as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the associated portions to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while remaining open for fluid flow or endothelialization. The occlusion devices may be either self-supporting or supported by a strut structure. Additionally, the occlusion devices may comprise a plurality of mesh layers having unaligned pore systems which further reduce porosity in desired portions of the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A device for treating a fusiform aneurysm includes an elongate catheter and an expandable member detachably coupled with the elongate catheter at or near its distal end and adapted to assume a fusiform expanded shape. In its expanded shape the external surface of the expandable member will contact an inner wall of the aneurysm, thus preventing blood from passing between the external surface of the expandable member and the inner wall of the aneurysm. The expandable member includes an inflation lumen for expansion and a blood flow lumen to allow blood to flow from a portion of a blood vessel proximal to the aneurysm, through the blood flow lumen, to a portion of the blood vessel distal to the aneurysm. The expandable member is adapted to retain an expanded configuration and remain in place within the aneurysm when detached from the elongate catheter body.

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: 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: Treatment of aneurysmal blood vessels with local delivery of therapeutic agents thereby reduces or lessens the severity of an aneurysm, and, where used in conjunction with the placement of an excluding device, provides for more rapid recovery of the blood vessel from any disturbance occurring during placement of the excluding device. Therapeutic agents are placed in the aneurysmal site in a time-release carrier medium, such that the therapeutic agent is released into the aneurysmal site over a period of time without the need to provide systemic introduction of the therapeutic agent. The carrier may be introduced through the patient's dermis, such as with the use of a laparoscope, or intravacularly, through the use of a catheter. The carrier may be in a solid matrix, viscous liquid or liquid form.

Abstract: A device, system and method for diagnosing and treating a patient is provided where a functional device is attached to a stomach wall. The device in one embodiment provides electrical stimulation of the stomach wall. The device may also have other functional aspects such as a sensor for sensing various parameters of the stomach or stomach environment, or a substance delivery device. The implant may be programmed to respond to sensed information or signals. The device may be modular with a portion of the device accessible for removal and replacement. In one embodiment, an endoscopic delivery system delivers the functional device through the esophagus and into the stomach where it is attached the stomach wall with the assistance of a suction used to stabilize the tissue of the stomach wall. The device includes a chamber for receiving tissue of the stomach wall for attachment where a vacuum pressure is applied through the chamber to draw the tissue into the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deflectable catheter whose puller member connections are accomplished with minimal, if any, surface deformation which could otherwise accelerate breakage under tension. The catheter includes a molded member that encases an end of a puller member to enable connection of the end to a fixed or movable structure in the control handle without significant surface deformation in the puller member. The molded member is of a thermoplastic material that encases a preformed end of the puller member, which may be a puller wire or a high modulus fiber material. The molded member may be configured as desired, for example, as a screw that is fastened to a structure in the control handle. Alternatively, the preformed end of the puller member, for example, a puller wire, can be directly connected to and jointly encased in the molded member with another preformed end of a second puller member, for example, a high modulus fiber material.

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.

Abstract: Lung conditions are treated by implanting a flow restrictor in a passageway upstream from a diseased lung segment. The restrictor will create an orifice at the implantation site which inhibits air exchange with the segment to induce controlled atelectasis and/or hypoxia. Controlled atelectasis can induce collapse of the diseased segment with a reduced risk of pneumothorax. Hypoxia can promote gas exchange with non-isolated, healthy regions of the lung even in the absence of lung collapse.

Abstract: A medical device used to treat unstable and/or vulnerable plaque in a blood vessel so as to minimize or prevent rupture of the unstable and/or vulnerable plaque at least until the unstable and/or vulnerable plaque is at least partially encapsulated by the medical device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of manufacturing a system for treating a vascular condition. A catheter including an inflatable balloon is provided. A stent is positioned over the balloon. An adhesive material is applied between an inner surface of the stent and an outer surface of the balloon. The adhesive material is heated to above a melting point of the adhesive material. The adhesive material is cooled to below a melting point of the adhesive material to provide an adhesive bond that retains the stent to the catheter during vascular delivery, wherein the stent is released from the balloon following inflation and deflation of the balloon at a treatment site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for forming in vivo a junction between a first and a second element of a modular endovascular prosthesis used for repairing defects in vessels and other lumens within the body of a patient. The first element is adapted to have a receiving element, and the second element is adapted to have a protruding element. In the final deployed configuration of the endovascular prosthesis, the protruding element of the second element is adapted to be engaged with the receiving element of the first element, substantially preventing axial separation of the elements relative to each other. The receiving element of the invention may have various forms, and may include a fold in the wall of the first element, an expandable framework having protruding struts, or a flexible thread.

Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter includes an inner tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a stent holding portion located adjacent the distal portion of the inner member, and a guide wire lumen extending from a proximal guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the inner member to a distal guide wire opening disposed at a distal end of the inner member. The proximal guide wire opening has a first length. An outer tubular member is slidably disposed about the inner member. The outer member has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a guide wire opening disposed distal of the proximal portion of the outer member. The guide wire opening of the outer member has a second length that is shorter than the first length and a guide wire ramp extends into, and is movable along the first length.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for coating a device comprising a coating chamber and a device rotator having at least one device mount wherein the apparatus allows insertion and retraction of the device on the device mount into and out of the coating chamber. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of applying a substantially uniform coating on a device comprising the steps of providing an apparatus for coating a device, mounting the device onto the device mount, purging the coating chamber to reduce humidity in the coating chamber, maintaining a reduced humidity content in the coating chamber, inserting the device into the coating chamber, disposing a coating material on the device and rotating the device mounts about the device axis.

Abstract: A vascular system comprising a balloon catheter having an elongated shaft and an expandable balloon. A vascular device is mounted over the expandable balloon and composed of shape memory material and has a collapsed position and a memorized position. The vascular device is expandable to an expanded position, to engage the vessel walls and returnable substantially to the memorized position to bring the walls radially inwardly.

Abstract: A device for removing a thrombus filter from a blood vessel is disclosed. A device in accordance with the present invention includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough, a wire having a first end and a second end, the wire being partially disposed within the lumen of the shaft, a portion of the wire extending beyond the distal end of the shaft and forming a loop, and a portion of the wire extending beyond the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A space occupying device for deployment within a patient's stomach and methods of deploying and removing the device. The device includes an expandable member and fasteners, such as sutures, that extend to least partially through the patient's stomach wall, and that anchor the device with the patient's stomach. The device can be deployed and/or removed through transesophageal approaches and/or through a combination of transesophageal and transabdominal approaches.

Abstract: Catheterization apparatus for implanting devices is provided with a device tether. The apparatus includes a device delivery tube that provides a pathway for moving implant devices through a patient's vasculature to internal body cavities. The implant devices are carried or pushed through the device delivery tube by a tubular push rod. The implant devices are tethered to a line passing through the push rod lumen. After deployment, the implant devices may be retracted into the device delivery tube for repositioning or retrieval by pulling on the tether.

Abstract: The present invention embodies delivery systems and methods for delivering modular endovascular graft devices that allow one portion of the repair device to be deployed while maintaining control of the other portions. The delivery systems are simpler to use, easier to manufacture and facilitate better packing of the repair device.

Abstract: A prosthesis for use in preventing restenosis after angioplasty is formed of plastic or sheet metal, and is expandable and contractable for placement. The prosthesis can be inserted while in a collapsed position, then expanded and locked at the larger diameter. Spring force can be provided by the material itself, or metal springs can be embedded within the walls of the prosthesis. Preferably, the walls have holes therethrough to promote tissue growth; and, in one embodiment, the holes are in the form of slots so that the prosthesis is segmented and can bend longitudinally.

Abstract: A subcutaneously formed in place orthopedic fixation device is provided, such as for fixation of the spine or other bone or bones. The device comprises an inflatable member, such as a tubular balloon. A heat source is provided in thermal communication with the interior of the balloon. The balloon is positioned at a treatment site while in a flexible, low crossing profile configuration. The balloon is thereafter inflated with a hardenable media, and heated to accelerate hardening of the media. Methods and delivery structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing a medical agent, such as an embolic coil into a vessel, or aneurysm, by utilizing a stabilizing catheter to retain or support a medical agent deployment device.

Abstract: A generally tubular intraluminal compound stent comprising a plurality of component stents, each component stent having a length and a plurality of individual hoops axially disposed along the length and connected by a connecting spine, the component stents meshed with one another such that at least one hoop of one component stent is positioned between axially adjacent hoops of another component stent. The connecting spines may be helical, with at least one component stent spine oriented in a different helical direction than the spine of another component stent. Each hoop may further have a periphery comprising a pattern of zig-zags having apices, wherein adjacent hoops of the meshed component stents are aligned such that the apices of adjoining hoops abut or are interdigitated with one another. The compound stent may further comprise connectors, such as sutures, connecting at least some of the abutting or interdigitated apices.

Abstract: A subcutaneous cover for insertion within a body of a user is disclosed. The cover is adapted to extend over at least a portion of a medical device disposed within the body of the user, and wherein the cover is dissolvable in the body of the user. Further, a method of subcutaneously inserting the cover into the body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A guidewire occlusion system for use in vascular procedures includes a repeatably inflatable gas-filled occlusive device proximate a distal end of a tubular guidewire assembly having an extended sealable section proximate a proximal end. A gas inflation/evacuation system is removably connectable to the proximal end of the guidewire assembly and includes an evacuation system to evacuate air from the guidewire and an inflation system for introducing a gas under pressure into the guidewire to inflate the occlusive balloon a plurality of times. A sealing system is also removably connectable to the proximal end of the guidewire assembly and selectively seals the extended sealable section at one of a plurality of separate locations along the extended sealable section to form an airtight seal of the tubular guidewire.

Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter which includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member slidably disposed thereon. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member have rapid exchange type guide wire openings. The guide wire opening of the outer tubular member is preferably shorter in length than the guide wire opening of the inner tubular member to protect the inner workings of the catheter. The outer tubular member may include a guide wire access sleeve having a guide wire ramp extending into the guide wire lumen of the inner tubular member. The guide wire sleeve may be a separate component from the remainder of the outer tubular member to facilitate efficient manufacture.

Abstract: A stent includes a main body of a generally tubular shape for insertion into a lumen of a vessel of a living being. The tubular main body includes a substantially biodegradable matrix having collagen IV and laminin that enclose voids within the matrix. The tubular main body also includes a biodegradable strengthening material in contact with the matrix to strengthen the matrix. The tubular main body is essentially saturated with drugs.

Abstract: A cardiac valve annulus compressor comprises a generally cylindrical main body having plain and barbed ends and an actuator portion. Barbs disposed on the barbed end are engageable with the valve annulus. The length of the circumference of the barbed end is responsive to movement of the actuator portion. The annulus compressor can be delivered percutaneously or surgically. A cardiac valve annulus compressor system and methods of use are also taught.

Abstract: Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts making up the segments with angular interconnects between segments.

Abstract: An embolic coil deployment system for placing a coil at a preselected site within a vessel of the human body. The deployment system includes a heating element at the distal end of a delivery member and a heat responsive coupling for holding the coil during positioning of the coil and activation means for releasing the coil at a desired position within the vessel.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a catheter assembly comprising a tubular member composed of a first material. The first material having a first predetermined modulus of elasticity. The tubular member having at least one stripe of a second material engaged thereto. The second material having a greater modulus of elasticity than the first material. The tubular member having a loading state and being crimpable to a reduced state. In the loading state the tubular member being sized to disposingly engage the balloon of a catheter assembly wherein the balloon has a first diameter. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the tubular member is disposingly and retainingly engaged to the balloon. When the tubular member is in the reduced state the balloon has a second diameter which is less than the first diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter for positioning a stent, including a tubular basic body with a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one lumen extending in between, a balloon close to the distal end which is connected to the lumen, and a stent crimped around the balloon, wherein a filling body of elastic material is arranged inside the balloon and has a size corresponding to at least the dimensions of the stent in compressed state, where the filling body is compressed by the stent in the compressed state.

Abstract: A system for improving the biocompatibility of medical devices present within a patient's body. In one embodiment, the present subject matter reduces the thrombogenicity of polyurethane materials in contact with the blood of a patient. In one embodiment, the medical device has a polymeric wall and a coating of polyurethane, said coating of polyurethane having the same chemical composition throughout the thickness and displaying an antithrombogenic effect when inserted into a patient's body in contact with blood for a period of at least twenty-four hours. The present subject matter relates to the manufacture and treatment of polymeric materials that may be inserted as medical devices, accessories, implants or replacements into animal bodies, such as the human body.

Abstract: An apparatus for imprinting a stent configuration image from a mask form onto a tubular stent blank. The stent blank has a longitudinal axis and a photosensitive coating on the outer surface thereof. The apparatus includes a journaling mechanism adapted to receive the stent blank, and operable to rotate the stent blank about its longitudinal axis; a radiation source operable to direct light at a first surface region of the stent blank when mounted in the journaling mechanism, to thereby expose the photosensitive coating on said first surface region of the stent blank; and a mask form movement mechanism configured to mount the mask form in the apparatus and to move the mask form along a path in which the mask form contacts the stent blank in said first surface region thereof along a concurrent convex arcuate segment.

Abstract: The present design envisions a flexible connecting link used in conjunction with in-phase and half-phase circumferential sets of strut members. By increasing the total length and diagonality of the undulating connecting links, the present design is a stent that provides increased flexibility during delivery and enhanced conformability to the shape of a curved artery when the stent is deployed into a curved vessel such as a tortuous coronary artery. Also, unique balloon-stent interactions are described.

Abstract: A wire station is disclosed for securing and managing multiple wire members used in a catheter system. The wire management system includes a station for securing the proximal portion of two wire members in a spatially separate arrangement. The wire station additionally provides a physician with the flexibility of either directly attaching the wire station to the catheter system directly, or positioning the wire station at a remote location.

Abstract: A detachable balloon system includes an inflatable balloon with a self-sealing valve. The balloon has an elastomeric membrane and a proximal opening. The self-sealing valve is made up of a valve body for receiving an inflation instrument to inflate the balloon. The valve body is preferably formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material and includes a base portion and a sealing portion. The base portion is bonded to the elastomeric membrane so as to seal the proximal opening of the balloon. The sealing portion is located within the balloon and extends distally from the base into the balloon. The sealing portion is compressibly sealable in response to a pressure within the balloon following inflation of the balloon and removal of the inflation instrument. A balloon dispenser for housing a balloon prior to receipt of an inflation instrument is also described.

Abstract: A medical device for stenting within a patient's vascular system is a low profile fixed-wire balloon catheter. The balloon is not attached directly to the wire-like structure of the catheter, providing a degree of independent rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery catheter which includes an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member slidably disposed thereon. The inner tubular member and the outer tubular member have rapid exchange type guide wire openings. The guide wire opening of the outer tubular member is preferably shorter in length than the guide wire opening of the inner tubular member to protect the inner workings of the catheter. The outer tubular member may include a guide wire access sleeve having a guide wire ramp extending into the guide wire lumen of the inner tubular member. The guide wire sleeve may be a separate component from the remainder of the outer tubular member to facilitate efficient manufacture.

Abstract: A 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 there is included on the catheter shaft at least one 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.