Abstract: This invention provides a method and graft system for aneurysm repair comprising a prosthetic graft with means to draw a distal extremity of the graft over a portion of an expandable anchoring member. Prior to deployment, the graft and the anchoring member do not overlap to reduce the outer diameter of the delivery system. Preferably, the drawing means comprises pull strands connected to the distal extremity of the graft so that the distal extremity of the graft may be pulled over a proximal portion of the anchoring member. Subsequent expansion of the anchoring member seals the overlapped graft against the vessel wall to minimize blood flow-by and secures the graft in the vessel. Securing means may be advanced up each pull strand to abut the anchoring member and further secure the graft to the anchoring member.The graft may also comprise means to guide a second expandable anchoring member to the proximal end of the graft.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent comprising fibrin is capable of reducing the incidence of restenosis at the site of vascular injury such as that produced by an angioplasty procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter apparatus, an introducer system, and a methodology for creating a bypass on-demand between an unobstructed blood vessel such as the aorta and an obstructed blood vessel such as an obstructed coronary artery in-vivo using a shaped memory alloy cuff and a graft segment in tandem as a shunt. The invention allows the placement and creation of single or multiple bypass grafts without use of a heart-lung machine and without need for stopping the heart of the patient during the coronary artery bypass surgery.

Abstract: A stent delivery system for delivering a stent comprising, a stent disposed on the distal end of the catheter, and an inner core, wherein the inner core is resistant to appreciable compression or accordion. The catheter further comprising a first sheath covering a portion of the inner core, wherein at least a portion of the distal end of the inner core is left uncovered by the first sheath, a retractable sheath which covers at least a portion of the stent and a portion of the distal end of the inner core and a retracting means for retracting the distal sheath to release the stent.

Abstract: A stent for providing support to a body lumen comprises a wire wound in a continuous winding into a generally cylindrical shape with the cylindrical shape terminating at one end in a closed loop of the wire and a line of elongated flexible material extending through the closed loop and looped back on itself at the closed loop such that the line is secured to the winding at the closed loop and is freely slideable through the closed loop. If necessary, this stent can be readily removed from the body lumen after implantation or left in the body lumen as a permanent implant.

Abstract: Dual valve detachable occlusion balloon for use in an artificial vessel embolization for using a delivery catheter adapted to receive a fluid for inflating the balloon. The delivery catheter has proximal and distal extremities and a flow lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity and has a balloon inflation orifice in the distal extremity in communication with the flow lumen. The valve comprises a cylindrical body of an elastomeric material having first and second open ends and a bore extending between the first and second open ends. A first valve is mounted in the first end of the cylindrical body. A second valve is mounted in the second end of the cylindrical body. The first and second valves face in opposite directions in the bore. The first and second valves are in a normally sealed position to prevent the escape a fluid under pressure in the bore of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An expandable tubular reinforcing member of the invention is used for a body lumen. The reinforcing member is basically formed of a plurality of rows of expandable joint members and a plurality of rows of flexible elongated members. The joint members in one row are arranged in a circular form and are spaced apart from each other. The elongated members in one row are arranged in a circular form, and each flexible elongated member extends diagonally to a central axis of the reinforcing member and connects two of the joint members situated in adjacent two rows. When a radial force is applied from an inside of the reinforcing member, the elongated members are bent relative to the joint members to have a larger diameter.

Abstract: A catheter for use in combination with a balloon angioplasty catheter for delivering stents and other intraluminal prostheses comprises a tubular catheter body having a radially expansible portion. The stent is disposed over the radially expansible portion, and structure is provided for retaining the stent on the tubular body prior to deployment. The retaining structure may be active, i.e., requiring the user to retract retaining elements, such as axial members, sheaths, or the like. Alternatively, the retaining structure may be passive, wherein balloon expansion results in release of the prosthesis from the retaining structure. Particular methods for fluoroscopically positioning stents using such delivery catheters, for delivering two or more stents using such delivery catheters, and for overexpanding the ends of the stents for anchoring them in place, are also described.

Abstract: Graft apparatus, delivery devices and methods for use in stent-graft systems are provided for use in treating aneurysms occurring in hollow-body organs or vessels and for treating arterio-venous fistulas. The graft and graft delivery devices provide the clinician with complete control over the location of the graft at any time prior to implantation of the stents, even when the graft is completely deployed from its introducer catheter. The graft and graft delivery devices also permit retrieval of the graft should it be desired to substitute a graft of a different size or to abort the procedure.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a therapeutic substance into a body lumen including a polymer in intimate contact with a drug on a stent allows the drug to be retained on the stent during expansion of the stent and also controls the administration of drug following implantation. The adhesion of the coating and the rate at which the drug is delivered can be controlled by the selection of an appropriate bioabsorbable or biostable polymer and the ratio of drug to polymer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved stent delivery catheter. The stent delivery systems comprises a catheter having a stent receiving portion adapted to receive a stent near the distal end of the catheter and a stent concentrically arranged around the catheter within the stent receiving portion. The stent delivery system further comprises a proximal outer sheath, a retractable distal sheath surrounding at least a portion of the stent and containing the stent in its reduced delivery configuration and a pull back means connected to the retractable distal sheath. The system further comprises an arrangement wherein the retractable sheath is pulled into the catheter when the pull back means is pulled proximally and the distal sheath is retracted, freeing the stent for delivery.

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: This invention provides a graft delivery system and methods for its use comprising a prosthetic graft secured to an expandable anchoring member, such as a stent, by a butt-joint attachment means to minimize the system's profile. The delivery system employs a catheter with a relatively small diameter shaft for flexibility and a relatively large diameter delivery base for supporting expansion of the anchoring member. The butt-joint attachment means comprises any means suitable to secure the graft to the anchoring member when deployed within the patient's vasculature and allows the anchoring member and graft to expand during deployment. In a preferred embodiment, the delivery system is configured so that the expansion of the anchoring member pulls the distal end of the graft over the proximal end of the anchoring member and the final expansion of the anchoring member seals the distal end of the graft between the proximal end of the anchoring member and the vessel.

Abstract: An intraluminal, crush resistant stent for implantation in a body lumen is disclosed. The crush resistant stent is made from a base section having a plurality of resilient, parallel, coplanar struts having a zig-zag configuration extending therefrom wherein the zig-zag struts are curved and pass through corresponding slots in the base section to form a continuous, cylindrical hoop. Each zig-zag strut has an amplitude that decreases when the zig-zag strut is placed under tension and an amplitude that increases when the zig-zag strut is unstressed or is placed under compression. Accordingly, each zig-zag strut can be pulled through the respective slot in the base section, but under compression the zig-zag struts assume the larger amplitude and cannot pass through the corresponding slot thereby maintaining the diameter of the stent constant.

Abstract: A sheath for advancement into a vessel of a patient having a stenosis therein which at least partially occludes the flow of blood in the vessel. A flexible elongate tubular member has proximal and distal extremities with a lumen extending from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity. A portion of the distal extremity of the flexible elongate tubular member is radially expandable. The expandable portion carries stiffening elements that impart pushability and column strength to the expandable portion.

Abstract: An improved expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and an improved method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cut cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more interconnective elements, the elements having a rectangular cross-section from cut-to-cut. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements are disposed in an undulating pattern. The stent is manufactured by direct laser cutting from a single metal tube using a finely focused laser beam passing through a coaxial gas jet structure to impinge on the working surface of the tube as the linear and rotary velocity of the tube is precisely controlled.

Abstract: A transluminal grafting system for grafting a prosthesis to the wall of a lumen includes a tubular graft provided with spring assemblies and anchoring barbs. The prosthesis is mounted on an apertured tubular carrier and a central control means is inserted into the bore of the apertured carrier. Mooring loops are attached to the prosthesis, pass through the apertures of the tubular carrier, and engage the central control means. An introducer sheath covers the system for smooth insertion into a lumen. When the graft has been positioned, the central control means maintains the axial position of the prosthesis. When the introducer sheath is pulled, the prosthesis is exposed and the spring assemblies return to an expanded state and anchor the graft against the internal wall of the lumen.

Abstract: An intraluminal grafting system having a balloon catheter assembly, a capsule catheter assembly and capsule jacket assembly is used for deploying a graft having attachment means in the vessel of an animal body. The system contains a proximal capsule means and a distal capsule means, wherein the graft is disposed within the two capsule means and a removable sheath covers the graft and capsule means. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, having attachment means with wall engaging members secured thereto. The balloon catheter is disposed within the capsule catheter to provide relative movement between the balloon catheter and the capsule catheter, whereby the graft can be removed from the capsule means. The balloon is inflated to firmly implant the graft and attachment means within the vessel. The graft and attachment means remain in the vessel after the intraluminal grafting system is withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods to promote the compression and/or recapture of endoluminal prostheses. An endoluminal prosthesis system generally comprises a tubular body and a radially compressible endoluminal prosthesis. The tubular body includes a lumen, while the prosthesis has a proximal end with a plurality of engageable structures radially disbursed thereabout. Each of a plurality of filaments extends distally from the lumen of the tubular body to an engageable structure so that tensioning of the filaments radially compresses the proximal end of the prosthesis. Preferably, a sheath then slides over the prosthesis, the sheath ideally having a plurality of axially oriented runners which form a radially flared structure to smoothly compress the prosthesis therebetween.

Abstract: A device and method for creating an initial cavity in biological tissue within a given tissue type or layer and then expanding the initial cavity into a larger predetermined final cavity by using a dissecting propagating device to dissect the tissue along a plane defined by the initial cavity. The device and method may also produce the additional effect of immediate or delayed tissue expansion resulting in the production of additional tissue length to facilitate excision or to facilitate geometric rearrangement, advancement, excision or closure during surgical procedures. The expansion effect may relate to the dissected layer or an adjacent layer included in the tissue above, below or around the dissected cavity. The dissection method includes a tunneling step followed by a dissector device introduction step followed by an inflation, expansion, dissection step. The device and method of the present invention can be used to perform skin undermining in the subcutaneous fat layer for facelifting cosmetic surgery.

Abstract: An expansible balloon catheter with a stent thereon has at least a first exterior surface with a given coefficient of friction and a second exterior surface with a different coefficient of friction. In a compact form only the first exterior surface is exposed to produce one coefficient of friction during transfer of the collapsed or uninflated balloon and stent to and across a lesion. When inflated, the second surface dominates the first surface and produces a second coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more interconnective elements. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements consist of ribbon-like material disposed in an undulating pattern. Portions of the expanded stent project outwardly into engagement with the vessel wall to more securely attach the dtent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable cardiovascular stent, an apparatus for the retrieval of the stent and a method for removal of the stent. The removable stent includes radially inwardly extending engagement members for contacting an extraction catheter. The extraction catheter includes a tubular body and an axially moveable guidewire, each adapted to grasp the engagement members of the tubular stent. The stent is elongated in an axial direction thereby reducing the cross-sectional area of the stent. The stent can be removed directly, or can fit within the tubular body of the extraction catheter for atraumatic removal from the treatment location.

Abstract: An intraluminal, crush resistant stent for implantation in a body lumen is disclosed. The crush resistant stent is made from a base section having a plurality of resilient, parallel, coplanar struts having a zig-zag configuration extending therefrom wherein the zig-zag struts are curved and pass through corresponding slots in the base section to form a continuous, cylindrical hoop. Each zig-zag strut has an amplitude that decreases when the zig-zag strut is placed under tension and an amplitude that increases when the zig-zag strut is unstressed or is placed under compression. Accordingly, each zig-zag strut can be pulled through the respective slot in the base section, but under compression the zig-zag struts assume the larger amplitude and cannot pass through the corresponding slot thereby maintaining the diameter of the stent constant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implantation in a body lumen, such as an artery, and a method for making it from a single length of tubing. The stent consists of a plurality of radially expandable cylindrical elements generally aligned on a common axis and interconnected by one or more interconnective elements. The individual radially expandable cylindrical elements consist of ribbon-like material disposed in an undulating pattern. Portions of the expanded stent project outwardly into engagement with the vessel wall to more securely attach the stent.

Abstract: A catheter with a self-expanding stent of a permeable mesh of stiff intersecting fibers is provided. A tubular outer catheter shaft holds the stent under tension at its distal end and from which the stent can be released for placement. A displaceable inner catheter inside the tubular outer catheter shaft supports the stent axially at its proximal end. In order to release the stent, the outer catheter shaft is retracted with respect to the inner catheter. A process for producing this catheter is also described. The stent is secured by gripping it at its proximal end in such a way that it forms a permeable mesh cone that expands automatically together with the stent and has a radius that increases gradually to the radius of the relaxed stent. The stent is securely anchored on the inner catheter with the help of the mesh cone.

Abstract: A tubular prosthesis device for use within the body. The device includes, a metal filament material formed of metal outer member having an exposed outer surface and a core within the extended outer member formed of a different metal than the outer member. The core is secured within and substantially enclosed by the outer member. The device can be reduced to a small size for introduction into the body lumen and expandable to a sufficiently large size to engage the wall of the body lumen. Stents formed of composite wires are shown.

Abstract: A graft assembly is provided for placement in a body passage having a generally tubular inner wall of predetermined diameter. The graft assembly includes an elongated outer tubular graft presenting inner and outer graft surfaces, and first and second outer stents secured to the graft. The first outer stent has expanded and contracted conditions and possesses a spring force that urges the first outer stent toward the expanded condition. When in the expanded condition, the first stent presents an outer diameter greater than the predetermined diameter of the inner wall of the body passage. The second outer stent also has expanded and contracted conditions and possesses a spring force that urges the second outer stent toward the expanded condition.

Abstract: An improved prosthesis assembly for placement at an aneurysm in the bifurcated lumen of the aorta and the common iliac arteries extending therefrom. The prosthesis assembly includes a single lumen graft or a bifurcated lumen graft having a main body and ipsilateral and contralateral limbs extending therefrom. The main body and ipsilateral and contralateral limbs each have a spring assembly about their orifices for conforming that portion of the graft to the wall of the vessel lumen. The main body spring assembly has an improved barb with first and second attachment arms for securely anchoring the spring assembly to the vessel wall. The improved barb includes two forms of mechanical attachment such as, for example, a helical coil body positioned around a spring assembly arm and, secondly, a bonding material such as, for example, solder for fixedly attaching the coil and spring assembly arm.

Abstract: A device and method for creating an initial cavity in biological tissue within a given tissue type or layer and then expanding the initial cavity into a larger predetermined final cavity by using a dissecting propagating device to dissect the tissue along a plane defined by the initial cavity. The device and method may also produce the additional effect of immediate or delayed tissue expansion resulting in the production of additional tissue length to facilitate excision or to facilitate geometric rearrangement, advancement, excision or closure during surgical procedures. The expansion effect may relate to the dissected layer or an adjacent layer included in the tissue above, below or around the dissected cavity. The dissection method includes a tunneling step followed by a dissector device introduction step followed by an inflation, expansion, dissection step. The device and method of the present invention can be used to perform skin undermining in the subcutaneous fat layer for facelifting cosmetic surgery.

Abstract: An introducer for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method for delivering into the vasculature a straight or bifurcated stent or prosthesis; a method of treating and angeological disease using a bifurcated stent; an endoluminal stent having perpendicular hoop members, each hoop member formed of wire in a sinuous configuration, at least some of juxtaposed apices in neighboring hoops being secured to one another, such stents also forming axially aligned segments in straight stents, and segments of bifurcated stents in particular embodiments. Certain embodiments of such stents also include barbs, fabric covering and radiopaque markers.

Abstract: Graft apparatus, delivery devices and methods for use in stent-graft systems are provided for use in treating aneurysms occurring in hollow-body organs or vessels and for treating arterio-venous fistulas. The graft and graft delivery devices provide the clinician with complete control over the location of the graft at any time prior to implantation of the stents, even when the graft is completely deployed from its introducer catheter. The graft and graft delivery devices also permit retrieval of the graft should it be desired to substitute a graft of a different size or to abort the procedure.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-cell stent having at least two different types of cells with each type of cell accomplishing a different purpose. For example, a first type of cell is intended to provide a maximum radial rigidity after stent deployment. A second type of cell is designed to provide increased longitudinal flexibility prior to stent deployment and after stent deployment into a main artery, the second type of cell can be readily balloon expanded at the ostium of a side branch artery to a comparatively large diameter without breaking any of the struts of the stent cell. By this technique, unobstructed blood flow into the side branch can be provided.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent comprising fibrin and an elutable drug is capable of providing a treatment of restenosis.

Abstract: A device for implanting a radially expandable stent that includes a balloon catheter having a balloon formed of a material having a memory so that when inflated to a first pressure the two end sections of the balloon expand to a first diameter as the waist therebetween expands to a lesser diameter. The stent is mounted over the waist section of the balloon and is thus locked between the two end sections during initial inflation to the first pressure. Once locked in place, the pressure inside the balloon is raised to a second higher level whereby the entire balloon expands to a larger diameter thus radially expanding the stent.

Abstract: A filtering device and method of preventing embolism and/or the distension of blood vessel walls is provided. The device can be easily put in place and can also be removed from the patient. The device comprises a spring-like active part and a rectilinear actuator. The actuator is used to prolongate or activate the active part. The active part has a shape memory corresponding to the shape of a spiral or a semi-circle. The active part can be straightened and will regain its shape memory position upon installation in the patient's vein. The filter can be used on blood vessels of various sizes because the user can vary the amount of the active part regains its original configuration in the vein. The filter can be secured into place and has the advantage of being removable when no longer needed.

Abstract: An intraluminal vascular graft is structure to be deployable within a vessel for incorporation therein without use of hooks or barbs. The intraluminal vascular graft structure comprises a tubular body formed of a biocompatible material and a frame structure, having both circumferential support and longitudinal support structures, which support the graft at a distal end thereof and upwardly from the distal end. The vascular graft also includes a porous collar which have sufficient porosity to promote and enhance ingrowth of tissue and other materials into the porous collar from the surrounding vessel environment, thereby facilitating incorporation of the intraluminal vascular graft into the vessel wall.

Abstract: An aortic graft for intraluminal delivery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm is provided with at least one wire which is woven into the distal, or lower, end of the graft, which wire permits the distal end of the graft to conform to, and sealingly engage, within the aortic bifurcation region of the aneurysm.

Abstract: A delivery catheter having an inner catheter assembly, an inferior capsule catheter, and a capsule jacket assembly for use in deploying a graft having a compressible and expandable attachment systems in the thoracic region of an aorta. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having superior and inferior ends, each having an attachment system with wall engaging members secured thereto and is crimped along its midsection to resist kinking and elongation. The delivery catheter includes an inferior capsule assembly for releasably retaining the inferior attachment system of the graft and a superior capsule assembly for releasably retaining the superior attachment system of the graft as well as a releasing system for maintaining the attachment systems in a compressed configuration and for facilitating expansion of the attachment systems.

Abstract: A rapid exchange stent delivery balloon catheter which allows exchange from a balloon angioplasty catheter to a stent delivery catheter without the need to replace the angioplasty catheter wire guide with an exchange-length wire guide before exchanging the stent delivery catheter for the balloon angioplasty catheter. The stent delivery catheter of the present invention includes a relatively short wire guide shaft which is bonded to the catheter shaft only at a location distal to the inflation lumen.

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: A non-contaminating surgical introducer/dilator includes a variably inflatable tubular balloon membrane. The leading section of the membrane is circumferentially folded back over, forming a double walled tubular membrane. The open end of the tubular membrane is fixed to the stem of the guide. The stem of the guide is placed over the body cavity while the guide is slid over the introducer tube, thereby forcing the membrane through the guide and into the body cavity while simultaneously inverting the membrane over itself. Contact between the introducer tube and the abdominal/body cavity is inhibited and the passive transportation of pathogens into the cavity concomitantly prevented. The inflator tube is used to variably inflate the tubular balloon with sterile water or gas via a syringe/pump device to the desired pressure. Various methods of making and using the introducer/dilator of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endovascular support device for treatment of chronic restenosis or other vascular narrowing is disclosed together with a method of manufacture and a method for delivering a plurality of such devices to an affected area of a vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the endovascular support device comprises a unitary wire-like structure configured to form a plurality of upper and lower peaks which may be compressed for delivery to an affected area of a coronary or peripheral vessel in a human, and then expanded to maintain a passageway through the vessel.

Abstract: An endoprosthetic device for insertion at a vascular site is described. The device is composed of a structural member carrying a polymer member having an embedded therapeutic compound. The polymer member is formed of a shape-memory polymer for expansion upon exposed to a selected stimulus. The structural member is designed for coexpansion with the polymer member when the device is exposed to the stimulus.

Abstract: Endovascular grafting system having a capsule catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and a capsule mounted on the distal extremity of the tubular member. The capsule is generally cylindrical in shape and is formed of a helical wrap of a metal ribbon. The wraps are bonded into a unitary capsule permitting bending of said unitary capsule. A graft is disposed within the capsule. The graft is comprised of a tubular member having proximal and distal ends. Hooks are secured to the proximal and distal ends of the tubular member and face in a direction outwardly towards the inner wall of the capsule. A push rod is disposed within the capsule catheter and engages the graft whereby upon relative movement between the push rod and the capsule catheter, the graft can be forced out of the capsule.

Abstract: A prostatic stent and method of manufacture. The stent has an elongate body defining a passage therethrough and includes a distal section, a mid-section and a proximal section. The elongate body has a length sufficient to extend distally from a bladder neck to a position somewhat short of the external sphincter. The proximal section has a shape conforming to the neck of the urinary bladder.

Abstract: An intraluminal prosthesis for use in a blood vessel, e.g., the abdominal aorta, at which an aneurysm defining an aneurysmal space is located. The prosthesis basically comprises an expandable sleeve, an outer balloon, a pair of sealing rings or a sealing cover, a pair of expandable anchoring stents, and plural expandable support stents. The sleeve is an elongated tubular member defining a passageway having a pair of open ends for conveying blood therethrough. The outer balloon is disposed about the sleeve and is arranged to be filled with a fluid, e.g., a gel or saline, to cause it to extend outward to fill the aneurysmal space. The sleeve is arranged to be expanded and held in that state by the stents.

Abstract: A 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: 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 method and apparatus for molding polymeric structures in vivo is disclosed. The structures comprise polymers that may be heated to their molding temperature by absorption of visible or near-visible wavelengths of light. By providing a light source that produces radiation of the wavelength absorbed by the polymeric material, the material may be selectively heated and shaped in vivo without a corresponding heating of adjacent tissues or fluids to unacceptable levels. The apparatus comprises a catheter having a shaping element positioned near its distal end. An emitter provided with light from at least one optical fiber is positioned within the shaping element. The emitter serves to provide a moldable polymeric article positioned on the shaping element with a substantially uniform light field, thereby allowing the article to be heated and molded at a desired treatment site in a body lumen.