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: An aneurysm embolization device and deployment system for use in occluding the flow of blood at a preselected position within a vessel of the human body comprising a headpiece and a plurality of spherical members linked together with a central connecting member, which, when deployed the embolization device occludes the flow of blood in a high volume or wide neck aneurysm.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying in the vessel of an animal body a bifurcated graft having a plurality of attachment systems. The deployment catheters contain an ipsilateral capsule assembly, a contralateral capsule assembly and a distal capsule assembly, wherein the attachment systems of the bifurcated graft are disposed within the three capsule assemblies. A removable sheath of the capsule jacket assembly covers the bifurcated graft and capsule assemblies to provide a smooth transition along the length of the deployment catheters. The bifurcated graft is comprised of a main tubular member and two tubular legs, having attachment systems with wall engaging members secured to the superior end of the main tubular member and the inferior ends of the tubular legs. An inflatable membrane configured on the balloon catheter is used to firmly implant the attachment systems within the vessel.

Abstract: This is an implantable vaso-occlusive coil which is implanted using minimally invasive surgical techniques. It is a complex, helically wound coil made up of a primary helically wound coil which is then wound into a specific secondary shape. The secondary shape is itself a series of helical turns. At least a portion of the turns in the secondary shape form a cylindrical region and adjacent that region on at least one end is a conical region which tapers from a diameter approximating that of the central cylindrical region to a smaller diameter. The device is desirably self-forming upon exit from the distal end of a delivery catheter. Also, the conical tipped vaso-occlusive device may also utilize thrombus-enhancing filamentary material.

Abstract: A balloon catheter may be used to access side branch arteries such as the iliac artery. The catheter includes a guidewire configured to carry a balloon and deploy directly in a branch leg without traversing acute bends.

Abstract: A solid embolic material that is capable of filling irregularly shaped and asymmetrical vascular defects in a controlled and predictable manner, without the difficulties associated with delivery of the embolic material through a microcatheter and containment of the embolic material in a defect. A detachable embolic balloon with optional check valve for maintaining liquid in the balloon prior to curing and optional multi-leaflet covering to prevent the balloon from expanding into the native vascular lumen.

Abstract: A coil-type vasoocclusion device (10) for establishing an embolus or vascular occlusion in a human or veterinary patient is adapted for introduction into the patient via a catheter (32). The device (10) first includes a coil (12) having proximal and distal coil ends (16,18) and a coil lumen (20). The device (10) also includes a core (22) disposed in at least part of the coil lumen (20), the core having proximal and distal core ends (24,26). Only one core end (24 or 26) is directly affixed to a respective end (16 or 18) of the coil (12); the other core end (26 or 24) is not directly connected to either end (16 or 18) of the coil (12). The core (22) is preferably nitinol in a superelastic state, being in other than its stress induced, martensitic condition. The device (10) can include a thrombogenic material (38) connected to or carried by the coil (12). The coil (12) is preferably adapted to achieve a suitable secondary shape (60) when deployed from the catheter (32).

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive system comprising a catheter with a working end that carries a fluid media for introduction into an aneurysm. The fluid media carries a volume of microspheres, wherein each microsphere has a sacrificial shell or coating that surrounds an interior core portion of the microsphere. The core portions of the microspheres comprise either a first or second polymerizing composition, wherein interaction of such binary compositions will cause polymerization of the media into a gel or solid media that will occlude the aneurysm. An energy delivery means is provided within the catheter working end to cause removal of the sacrificial coatings of the volume of microspheres to thereby induce the polymerization process.

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: Extruded, stretched, sintered tubular PTFE materials are produced which are suited for use in the medical field as liners and covers for expandable stents. The PTFE materials have an unusually low REC (Radial Expansion Coefficient) and RER (Radial Expansion Ratio).

Abstract: An intragastric balloon device adapted to be inserted into the stomach for treating obesity in humans by reducing the stomach volume. The intragastric balloon device includes a flexible, inflatable balloon having an interior chamber defining a volume. A portion of the balloon has a self-sealing valve thereon to facilitate the introduction of an insufflation catheter into the interior chamber and to facilitate sealing of the catheter track upon removal of the insufflation catheter. The volume of the interior chamber, and the volume occupied by the balloon within the stomach of a patient, is adjusted by injecting an inflation fluid into the balloon's interior chamber. The balloon further includes a deflation valve in a portion thereof. The deflation valve is a patch that has a bioabsorbable or biodegradable portion. The patch forms a portion of the wall of the balloon and is in leakproof engagement therewith.

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: An intravascular device comprising an intra-aortic and extra-aortic component for perfusing the spinal arteries during thoracoabdominal surgeries. The intra-aortic component comprises a catheter having a shunt releasably mounted on a distal end of the catheter. An expandable occluder is disposed about the shunt for occluding the aortic lumen. The extra-aortic component comprises a tubular member having a lumen communicating with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted for attachment to the shunt. The second end of the second tubular member is attached to a plurality of tubular branches. A cooler may be attached to the second tubular member for providing hypothermic perfusion. When the intra-aortic component is attached to the extra-aortic component, blood flows from the proximal aorta to the spinal arteries through the lumens of the tubular branches. Methods of using the device for spinal perfusion during thoracoabdominal surgeries herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods are provided for inhibiting stenosis following vascular trauma or disease in a mammalian host, comprising administering to the host a therapeutically effective dosage of a therapeutic conjugate containing a vascular smooth muscle binding protein that associates in a specific manner with a cell surface of the vascular smooth muscle cell, coupled to a therapeutic agent dosage form that inhibits a cellular activity of the muscle cell. Methods are also provided for the direct and/or targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to vascular smooth muscle cells that cause a dilation and fixation of the vascular lumen by inhibiting smooth muscle cell contraction, thereby constituting a biological stent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for occluding the body lumen including the cystic duct, wherein, in one embodiment, the device has a tapered end and an expandable segment. In use, using a suitable access instrument, the tapered end of the device is inserted into the cystic duct and the expandable segment may be expanded to lodge the device in the duct and to occlude the duct. The access instrument may then be detached from the device and withdrawn. The device is left in the duct, acting as a plug.

Abstract: A dilatation system preferably including a dilator and a detachable handle for achieving step dilatation of a bodily opening is provided. The dilator preferably is steerable and can be visually guided using a fiber optic scope positioned in a lumen formed in a shaft of the dilator. Fluid can be delivered through the lumen with the scope positioned therein so as to distend, irrigate, or insufflate a space within the body. A kit and related methods also are provided that can include elements desired to facilitate step dilatation of a body opening.

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 surgical stapling instrument for clamping and stapling tissue. The instrument has a handle and first and a second opposed tissue clamping members connected to the handle. The members are movable between an open position for receiving tissue therebetween and a closed position for stapling tissue therebetween. At least one of the first and second clamping members houses a plurality of staples. The device also includes a strip of buttress material releasably attached to at least one of the first and second tissue clamping members by a hot melt adhesive. The buttress material disposed on the clamping member such that the staples can attach the buttress material to tissue between the clamping members.

Abstract: A method for implanting cells onto a prosthesis includes the steps of: (a) providing a prosthesis including a porous tube, where at least 25% of the pores on the inner surface of the tube have diameters of more than about 40 &mgr;m, at least 25% of the pores on the outer surface of the tube have diameters of less than about 30 &mgr;m, and the tube includes a substantially continuous layer of a biocompatible material; (b) contacting the prosthesis with a suspension of cells; and (c) providing a pressure differential between the inner surface and the outer surface, whereby the cells are retained in the pores of the inner surface. A method for obtaining an endothelial cell culture from a blood sample involved:(a) obtaining a sample for mononuclear cells from a blood sample; and (b) culturing the sample of mononuclear cells, without further cell separation, on a cell adhesive polymer-coated solid support in the presence of endothelial growth factors.

Abstract: An intragastric balloon device includes a flexible bladder, a relatively rigid reservoir coupled to the bladder and adapted to hold a bladder inflation fluid, and an inflation/deflation system adapted to move or permit movement of the fluid from the reservoir and into the bladder. The intragastric balloon device is sized such that it may be positioned, in its entirety, into the stomach cavity. Various systems may be used to move or permit movement of the fluid. A control system is provided to automatically activate the inflation/deflation system. The automatic activation may be activated by a combination of one or more of a timer, the temperature of the stomach, the pressure in the stomach, the mechanical stress in the stomach, or another sensed condition, at which the control system is programmed or otherwise configured to activate.

Abstract: A conduit is provided to provide a bypass around a blockage in the coronary artery. The conduit is adapted to be positioned in the myocardium or heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a chamber of the heart such as the left ventricle and the coronary artery, distal to the blockage. The stent is self-expanding or uses a balloon to expand the stent in the heart wall. Various attachment means are provided to anchor the stent and prevent its migration.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter comprises a tubular catheter body having a balloon structure removably mounted over the catheter body. The catheter body has a guidewire lumen , and the catheter body may be left in place within a patient's vasculature while the balloon structure is withdrawn and optionally a second balloon structure introduced over the catheter body. The catheter and methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for performing angioplasty and subsequent procedures, such as stent placement, which are best performed using successive interventional balloon structures.

Abstract: A stent comprises a lattice of interconnecting elements defining a substantially cylindrical configuration having a first open end and a second open end. The lattice has a locked configuration and an open configuration. The stent also comprises a plurality of bridges connecting the interconnecting elements wherein each bridge interlocks with an adjacent bridge in the locked configuration and each bridge separates from the adjacent bridge in the open configuration. A second embodiment for the stent also comprises a lattice of interconnecting elements including a plurality of struts wherein each strut interlocks with an adjacent strut in the locked configuration and each strut separates from the adjacent strut in the open configuration.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for occluding a vascular site. A catheter having a highly distensible occlusion balloon detachably mounted at a distal end thereof is provided to the vascular site and at least partially filled with an aqueous balloon inflation fluid which allows the balloon placement to be imaged. The balloon is porous to the aqueous inflation fluid and the inflation fluid is gradually displaced through the balloon pores by a liquid filling composition which is solidifiable on contact with the aqueous inflation fluid to produce a mass to which the balloon is nonporous. The filing composition is injected to bring the balloon wall into contact with the vessel wall at the vascular site. The balloon is detached from the catheter after the filling composition has at least substantially solidified and the catheter removed from the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herewithin is an apparatus for fabricating a stent which involves processing a tubular member whereby no connection points to join the edges of a flat pattern are necessary. The apparatus includes a means for mounting a tubular member coated with a photosensitive material, a light source, and a mask or film that exposes a portion of the photosensitive material.

Abstract: A resilient tubular graft is delivered into place within a body passage by elongating the graft to reduce its diameter and then directing the graft to the desired position while in the elongated condition. The graft is carried into position by a pair of elongate members mounted for longitudinal movement relative to one other. Flexible lines secure opposite ends of the graft to the respective elongate members whereby relative longitudinal movement of the members functions to elongate the graft and reduce its diameter. The lines extend around the graft to impart radial compression thereto simultaneously with elongation of the graft. Upon placement of the graft at the desired location within a body passage, the lines are released to permit the graft to expand into engagement with the passage. Barbs on the graft provide for secure engagement of the graft with a body passage.

Abstract: An intravascular device comprising an intra-aortic and extra-aortic component for perfusing the spinal arteries during thoracoabdominal surgeries. The intra-aortic component comprises a catheter having a shunt releasably mounted on a distal end of the catheter. An expandable occluder is disposed about the shunt for occluding the aortic lumen. The extra-aortic component comprises a tubular member having a lumen communicating with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted for attachment to the shunt. The second end of the second tubular member is attached to a plurality of tubular branches. A cooler may be attached to the second tubular member for providing hypothermic perfusion. When the intra-aortic component is attached to the extra-aortic component, blood flows from the proximal aorta to the spinal arteries through the lumens of the tubular branches. Methods of using the device for spinal perfusion during thoracoabdominal surgeries herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improved intravascular balloon catheters for the delivery of embolic agents and devices such as coils to wide-neck aneurysms. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon catheter having a combined guide wire/delivery lumen and a lateral delivery hole. The balloon may comprise a multi-lobed design with the delivery hole disposed between adjacent balloon lobes. The balloon catheter preferably includes a diversion member disposed in the combined lumen to cause the embolic device to divert from the combined lumen, through the delivery hole, and into the wide-neck aneurysm. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a balloon catheter having a shaft including a shaft tube and a co-extending embolic delivery tube. The delivery tube terminates proximal of the distal end of the shaft tube for added flexibility, and the balloon may inflate eccentrically to push the distal opening of the delivery lumen adjacent the opening of the wide-neck aneurysm.

Abstract: This is a medical device and a method of using it. The device is a foldable stent-graft which may be percutaneously delivered with (or on) an endovascular catheter, via surgical techniques or using other suitable techniques and then expanded. The stent-graft uses a kink-resistant stent structure and an interior graft which is attached to the stent in such a way that the graft does not kink and yet the stent is able to conform to curves in the blood vessel lumen. The expandable stent structure preferably has a helically deployed torsional member with an undulating shape which is wound to form the generally cylindrical shape deployed as the stent. The helical winding desirably is aligned to allow undulations in adjacent turns of the helix to be in phase. The adjacent undulating shapes are held in that phased relationship using a flexible linkage, typically made of a polymeric material. The graft component cooperating with the stent is tubular and mounted on the interior of the stent.

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.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy device comprises a removable, dilating tip. The tip is located at the distal end of the device and provides for tissue dilation upon entry of the device into the body of a patient. The tip is lubricious and biodegradable. The tip is removable by dislodging it from the end of the device following placement of the device in the patient. The tip is usually dislodged by action of a physician to dislodge the tip, however it may be dissolved by application of a biocompatible solvent or through digestion. Following removal of the tip from the device, the tip is dissolved naturally by digestion.

Abstract: The device comprises a prosthesis designed as a hollow body compressed against the action of restoring spring forces to a cross section reduced relative to an expanded use position, and held in this position by a strippable sheath. After the sheath is stripped, the prosthesis automatically expands to a cross section corresponding to the use position. The sheath, which can be a meshwork in the approximate form of crocheted material, extends over the entire length of the prosthesis and consists of at least one continuous thread and at least one drawstring. The prosthesis, held in the radially compressed position by the sheath, can be mounted displacebly on a feed wire or non-axially-displacebly on the insertion end of a probe or a catheter.

Abstract: Balloon catheter covers are elastic fabric structures of interconnected yarns, the structure having a high degree of stretch and recovery in the circumferential direction with little change in dimension in the longitudinal direction during multiple pressurization cycles over full range of inflation and deflation of the balloon catheter. The covers have longitudinal yarns positioned at about zero degrees to the balloon axis and reversibly-stretchable, circumferential yarns positioned at a high angle Ø to the axis.

Abstract: A covered stent assembly comprising a tubular, expandable stent having a metallic framework covered with a cylinder of biocompatible, non-thrombogenic expandable material, such as heterologous tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the metallic framework is positioned coaxially within a cylinder of bovine pericardial tissue. A catheter may be used to deliver the stent assembly to a desired region in the lumen of a patient. The metallic framework is then expanded to seat the assembly within the lumen.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and a device for treating hemodynamically significant aneurysms especially in the intracranial and extracranial circulation regions using either X-ray fluoroscopy or real-time magnetic resonance (MR) imaging guidance. An MR-visible parachute-shaped occlusion device, e.g., containing multiple elongated filamentary loops made of a memory metal, elastomeric hydrogel or other expansile material, is deployed into the aneurysm by radial expansion of the expansile material outwardly into contact with the interior aneurysm surface. The device is firmly positioned against the interior aneurysm surface using a coating which adheres to that interior aneurysm surface. The device may be filled with a hardenable polymer for permanent and complete aneurysm occlusion.

Abstract: A stent positioning device and associated method for precisely delivering and deploying an intravascular stent in a vascular lumen adjacent the ostium thereof. The stent positioning device is slidably disposed about a stent delivery catheter and includes a distally disposed expandable member having an expanded diameter that is larger than the vascular lumen adjacent the ostium. The stent positioning device is positioned in the vasculature such that the distal end of the expandable member engages the ostium. The stent delivery catheter is positioned such that the proximal end of the stent is positioned adjacent the distal end of the expandable member by using either a visible marker on the stent delivery catheter or a radiopaque marker on the expandable member. When the stent is positioned adjacent the distal end of the expandable member, the stent may be deployed such that the proximal end of the stent is located in the vascular lumen adjacent the ostium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a percutaneous intragastric balloon catheter for the treatment of obesity. The invention occupies a portion of the gastric cavity causing a feeling of satiety and decreasing the consumption of food by an obese patient. This invention consists in a percutaneous intragastric balloon that is placed in a non-surgically form. The percutaneous intragastric balloon catheter is collocated by percutaneous endoscopic gastrotomy (PEG). The invention comprises an affixed valve for regulating the amount of fluid introduced or evacuated from the percutaneous intragastric balloon.

Abstract: A device for delivering an occlusion element, or other medical device, which includes a fluid dissolvable bond. The occlusion element is coupled to the delivery element with the fluid dissolvable bond. The bond may be dissolved by delivering a fluid through the delivery element either through the delivery element itself or through a tube positioned in the delivery element.

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.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system includes a hollow graft which has a proximal staple positioned proximate its proximal end and a distal staple adapted proximate its distal end. The system includes a capsule for transporting the graft through the lumen and for positioning the proximal end of the graft upstream in a lumen which may be a blood vessel or artery. A tube is connected to the capsule and extends to exterior the vessel for manipulation by the user. A catheter is positioned within the tube to extend from the cavity and through the graft to exterior the body. The catheter has an inflatable membrane or balloon proximate the distal end thereof which is in communication via a channel with inflation and deflation means located exterior the vessel. With the inflatable membrane deflated, the capsule is positioned in the lumen and manipulated to a desired location. The inflatable membrane is manipulated by the rod away from the graft.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for occluding a vascular site. A catheter having a highly distensible occlusion balloon detachably mounted at a distal end thereof; is provided to the vascular site and at least partially filled with an aqueous balloon inflation fluid which allows the balloon placement to be imaged. The balloon is porous to the aqueous inflation fluid and the inflation fluid is gradually displaced through the balloon pores by a liquid filling composition which is solidifiable on contact with the aqueous inflation fluid to produce a mass to which the balloon is nonporous. The filling composition is injected to bring the balloon wall into contact with the vessel wall at the vascular site. The balloon is detached from the catheter after the filling composition has at least substantially solidified and the catheter removed from the body.

Abstract: An expandable balloon for insertion into the urinary bladder of an individual. The balloon may be used in treating the urinary bladder, in monitoring the urinary bladder or in the treatment of urinary incontinence.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for use in a body passage. The catheter comprises a catheter shaft and an expandable conduit defined by a filter mesh material of varying porosity mounted on said catheter shaft. The expandable conduit has an upstream end and a downstream end, the expandable conduit having a collapsed position in which the expandable conduit is collapsed toward the catheter shaft and an expanded position in which the upstream end of the expandable conduit is open to fluid flow. The expandable conduit has an upstream sealing member at the upstream end of the expandable conduit for creating a seal between the upstream end of the expandable conduit and an internal wall of the body passage.

Abstract: An assembly and a method to deliver and deploy and inflation expandable stent is described. The assembly has a catheter with an annular collar is coaxially located on the catheter distal end. An expandable balloon, in a contracted state, is coaxially mounted over the collar at the catheter distal end. A stent, in a reduced configuration, is coaxially mounted on the balloon and conformed to the catheter and collar. At least one cup is coaxially mounted on the catheter distal end. The cup and collar are cooperate to retain the end portion of the reduced stent on the catheter. The balloon is inflated to expand the stent and release the stent from the cup or cups. The cup can be axially spaced from the collar. The cup can be fixed to the catheter or can be freely sliding on the catheter. The cup can overlie at least a portion of the collar. The collar can be shaped as a single member with the catheter.

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 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: An intravascular balloon catheter comprises a tubular catheter body having a balloon structure removably mounted over the catheter body. The catheter body has a guidewire lumen, and the catheter body may be left in place within a patient's vasculature while the balloon structure is withdrawn and optionally a second balloon structure introduced over the catheter body. The catheter and methods of the present invention are particularly suitable for performing angioplasty and subsequent procedures, such as stent placement, which are best performed using successive interventional balloon structures.

Abstract: These are subcutaneous cavity marking devices and methods. More particularly, upon insertion into a body, the cavity marking device and method enable one to determine the center, orientation, and periphery of the cavity by radiographic, mammographic, echogenic, or other non-invasive imaging techniques. Also, the device contains a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker. The device may be combined with various substances enhancing the radiopaque, mammographic, or echogenic characteristics of the marker or the body allowing it to be observed by any non-invasive imaging techniques. This is further a method of marking a subcutaneous cavity using a bioabsorbable material and a bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable marker in conjunction with the material. The method also may combine any of the features as described with the device.

Abstract: An improved aneurysm liner is used for treating an aneurysm in a parent vessel. The parent vessel defines a lumen. The aneurysm includes a neck and an inner wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the lumen. The liner device is configured for deployment within the cavity. The device includes an extender inside an expandable aneurysm liner. The proximal pusher end of the extender receives force from a distal end of a delivery catheter for maneuvering the device into a deployment position. The device is arranged such that, when deployed within the cavity, the liner is expanded to fill the cavity. In treating an aneurysm, the liner device is directed to the aneurysm site by a guidewire that extends through the extender. Upon removal of the guidewire, the extender is released within the liner and the liner is expanded to fill the cavity.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying in the vessel of an animal body a bifurcated graft having a plurality of attachment systems. The deployment catheters contain an ipsilateral capsule assembly, a contralateral capsule assembly and a distal capsule assembly, wherein the attachment systems of the bifurcated graft are disposed within the three capsule assemblies. A removable sheath of the capsule jacket assembly covers the bifurcated graft and capsule assemblies to provide a smooth transition along the length of the deployment catheters. The bifurcated graft is comprised of a main tubular member and two tubular legs, having attachment systems with wall engaging members secured to the superior end of the main tubular member and the inferior ends of the tubular legs. An inflatable membrane configured on the balloon catheter is used to firmly implant the attachment systems within the vessel.