Abstract: A method and an assembly for securing a crimped medical device over a deflated balloon of a balloon catheter is provided. The medical device is positioned in its expanded state over the deflated balloon of the balloon catheter, and is then crimped over the deflated balloon. First and second eyelets of first and second strings, respectively, are then threaded through first and second rings, respectively, that are provided on the medical device. Next, a locking wire is advanced through a lumen defined between the sheath and the catheter body to exit the distal end of the sheath, and then advanced through the first and second eyelets and into the distal tip of the balloon catheter. The sheath is then advanced over the crimped medical device to the distal tip to completely cover the crimped medical device.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an endoprosthesis delivery system comprising an elongate member, such as a catheter, an endoprosthesis, and an end cap having one or more protrusions extending therefrom. The protrusions may assist in retraction of end cap into an outer sheath, such as an introducer sheath. In some examples, the protrusion includes fins. In some embodiments, the endoprosthesis delivery system further includes a covering member disposed about the endoprosthesis. The protrusions may support the covering member, which may extend beyond the distal end of the endoprosthesis and onto the end cap. In some embodiments, the end cap comprises a tapered profile, which may assist in retraction of the catheter tip and end cap into an outer sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel includes an occlusion element including a first tubular mesh having a first end and a second end coupled together at a proximal end of the occlusion element such that an intermediate portion of the first tubular mesh between the first end and the second end includes a substantially 180 degree turn, the intermediate portion of the first tubular mesh extending distally from the proximal end of the occlusion element, wherein the intermediate portion of the first tubular mesh has a collapsed configuration and is configured to expand to an expanded. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a second tubular mesh having a first end and a second end coupled to the proximal end of the occlusion element such that an intermediate portion of the second tubular mesh between the first end and the second end includes a substantially 180 degree turn.

Abstract: A method, system, or apparatus for stent delivery. Delivering one or more stents with a delivery tool that can include a kinetic transfer of energy to deliver one or more stents. The stents can include a modifiable stent that can change its overall shape and/or dimensions based on pre-configured design parameters. A coil stent that can engage with a vessel that surrounds the modifiable stent forming a dual stent configuration. The coil stent also includes anchor points that allow it to engage with a second vessel securing the first vessel and the second vessel together to aid in the healing process.

Abstract: A pancreatic stent includes a main body convertible between a compressed configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration once deployed, the main body including an inner surface defining a stent lumen and an outer surface. A plurality of drainage features are formed within the outer surface of the main body, the plurality of drainage features permitting placement of the pancreatic stent within a patient's pancreas without blocking side branches of the pancreas.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing a medical procedure on a patient with two blood vessels, including a first lumen and a second lumen. The method involves making an incision in the skin to access the first and second locations of the blood vessels, puncturing the blood vessels at these locations, and inserting stent-grafts into the lumens. The stent-grafts include branching vascular grafts that are expanded to contact the inner surfaces of the lumens. The first and second vascular grafts are then connected to each other, providing fluid communication between the blood vessels. The incision is then closed, leaving the stent-grafts beneath the patient's skin. The method may be used for bypass procedures or arteriovenous grafts, among others.

Abstract: Treatment of aneurysms can be improved by delivering an occlusive member (e.g., an expandable braid) to an aneurysm sac in conjunction with an embolic element (e.g., coils, embolic material). A treatment system for such treatment can include an electrolytically corrodible conduit having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a detachment zone between the proximal portion and the distal portion. An occlusive member having a proximal hub is coupled to the conduit distal portion. The conduit has a lumen configured to pass an embolic element therethrough.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve delivery catheter and device. The delivery catheter includes an outer sheath assembly and an inner sheath assembly. The outer sheath assembly includes a capsule in which a prosthetic valve can be received and an outer sheath fixedly connected at one end to the capsule. The inner sheath assembly includes an inner sheath and an anchor fixedly connected to the inner sheath. The inner sheath assembly is arranged within a lumen of the outer sheath assembly, and the capsule and the anchor form a circumferentially indexed fit therebetween. With this design, the anchor and the capsule can be driven to rotate under the action of circumferential rotation of the inner sheath, thus the matching between the prosthetic valve and a native valve annulus can be adjusted. Moreover, the capsule can be driven to move axially under actuation of the outer sheath to allow release of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A medical stent including: a tubular main body made of resin that extends along an axis; a first locking member including a first fixed end fixed to the distal end side of the main body, and a first free end positioned radially outward of the main body; a second locking member including a second fixed end fixed to the proximal end side of the main body, and a second free end positioned radially outward of the main body; and a spiral reinforcing material made of metal which is embedded between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the main body. The reinforcing material includes a first portion spirally wound between the first and second fixed ends, a second portion spirally wound at a pitch greater than that of the first portion, and a third portion spirally wound at a pitch greater than that of the second portion.

Abstract: A luminal stent, including a tubular body and a skirt sleeved on the tubular body. One end of the skirt is a fixed end, and the fixed end is sealedly connected to the outer surface of the tubular body; the other end of the skirt is a free end; on a section passing through the central axis of the tubular body, the ratio of the distance between the fixed end and the free end located on the same side of the central axis of the tubular body to the vertical distance between two points of the free end on both sides of the central axis of the tubular body along the radial direction of the skirt is less than 1/2.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing a cover of a retrieval device while the retrieval device is resheathed to a more proximal position within a delivery sheath are disclosed herein. A retrieval device may include, for example, a securing element configured to grip the cover when the retrieval device is pulled proximally, to thereby secure the cover. A method of positioning the retrieval device may include, for example: (a) advancing the retrieval device distally through a delivery sheath to a partially deployed state while the securing element is in a first state, and (b) retracting the clot retrieval proximally from the partially deployed state while the securing element is in a second state that grips the cover to secure the cover.

Abstract: A guide sheath device with an integrated stabilization wire is provided. The guide sheath device includes an elongate member having a proximal and distal end and a lumen there between and a stabilization wire integrated to the elongate member.

Abstract: An endovascular stent-graft is provided, including a plurality of circumferential strut members disposed at respective axial positions along a self-curving longitudinal portion thereof. Each of the circumferential strut members is shaped so as to define a plurality of proximal peaks. When the stent-graft is unconstrained in a radially-expanded state, for at least one of the circumferential strut members, a first set of the proximal peaks of the circumferential strut member, which includes at least a circumferentially-closest one of the proximal peaks to an outermost curve of the self-curving longitudinal portion, are bent radially inward at least an average angle of 20 degrees toward a central longitudinal axis of the self-curving longitudinal portion, and a second set of the proximal peaks of the circumferential strut member are not bent radially inward by at least an average angle of 20 degrees toward the central longitudinal axis. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A device for deploying an implant in a patient's body comprises an elongate delivery tube having an inner element comprising an imaging head, an intermediate element comprising implant retainer formations and an outer element comprising an outer sheath, the inner and outer elements being retractable relative to the intermediate element. A handle at a proximal end of the delivery tube contains a hub assembly comprising hubs of the inner element, the intermediate element and the outer element. A hub carriage that is movable longitudinally within the handle with respect to the intermediate element hub supports the hubs of the inner element hub and the outer element for movement with the hub carriage to retract the inner and outer elements relative to the intermediate element.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes medical devices comprising implantable expandable implants, such as stent-grafts. Such devices can comprise a constraining line. The constraining line can surround the proximal end of the expandable implant, and assist in positioning and deployment of the expandable implant within the body of the patient.

Abstract: A system for treating an aneurysm comprises an elongate flexible shaft and an expandable member. An expandable scaffold is disposed over the expandable member and may be expanded from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. A double-walled filling structure is disposed over the scaffold and has an outer wall and an inner wall. The filling structure is adapted to be filled with a hardenable fluid filing medium so that the outer wall conforms to an inside surface of the aneurysm and the inner wall forms a substantially tubular lumen to provide a path for blood flow. In the expanded configuration the scaffold engages the inner wall of the filling structure. A tether is releasably coupled with the filling structure and the flexible shaft thereby constraining axial movement of the structures relative to each other.

Abstract: A guide tube (220) has a guidewire-engaging portion (222) at a distal portion (260) thereof, a first stent (54) surrounding the guide tube, advanceable together with the guide tube into a subject's lumen, a guidewire (12) arranged (i) entering the guide tube from a distal-end (320) opening thereof, (ii) disposed in the guidewire-engaging portion, and (iii) passing out of the guide tube proximally to the guidewire-engaging portion, and a second stent (54), proximal to the first stent, surrounding a proximal portion (240) of the guide tube and the guidewire. The first stent is slidably deployable off the distal end of the guide tube upon the guidewire having laterally exited the guidewire-engaging portion, and the second stent is slidably deployable off the distal end of the guide tube subsequently to deployment of the first stent, without the guidewire having been moved proximally. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Storage devices, loading devices, delivery systems, kits, and associated methods for implantable medical devices are described. An example embodiment of a storage device includes a storage member, a first cap, and a second cap. The storage member has a first end, a second end, and a main body that defines a first opening, a second opening, a passageway, a separating wall, and a plurality of holes. The passageway has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends from the first end of the storage member to the separating wall and the second portion extends from the second end of the storage member to the separating wall. Each hole of the plurality of holes extends through the separating wall and provides access between the first portion and the second portion. Each of the first and second caps is releasably attached to the storage member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering an implantable occluder device, e.g., an atrial septal defect occluder having a bioresorbable frame, to the atrial septum of a patient are provided. The system may include an outer shaft configured to be removably coupled to a proximal end of the occluder, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer shaft and configured to be removably coupled to a distal end of the occluder, and an outer sheath slidably disposed over the outer shaft and having an expandable distal region configured to transition between a collapsed delivery configuration defining an atraumatic tip, and an expanded configuration to facilitate passage of the occluder therethrough. The system may include a handle having slidable and rotatable actuators operatively coupled to the outer shaft, inner shaft, and outer sheath for deploying and releasing the occluder at the atrial septum.

Abstract: A stent graft system including a component having longitudinally extending outer surface and inner surface, the inner surface defining a lumen having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of stents distributed longitudinally along the component, and a plurality of suture loops, each suture loop attached to the inner outer surface, of the stent graft, a first suture loop spaced laterally and longitudinally relative to an adjacent suture loop when the component is in an expanded configuration, the plurality of suture loops aligned longitudinally along the stent graft when the stent graft is in a radially constricted configuration, at least one ligature having a proximal end and a distal end, the ligature extending through at least some of the plurality of suture loops, whereby tension on the at least one ligature longitudinally aligns the suture loops along the longitudinal axis of the component, thereby at least partially radially constricting the stent graft.

Abstract: A medical device may include an introducer sheath, having a distal and a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The introducer sheath may also include a tab formed at the distal end and extending distal to the lumen, and a frangible portion extending between the distal end and the proximal end.

Abstract: A method for constructing a braided implant delivery system and treating an aneurysm can include attaching a braided implant having a band attached thereto to a delivery tube, positioning the braided implant within the aneurysm, and releasing the band from the delivery tube, thereby releasing the braided implant. The band can include movable extensions that can press into an outer surface of the delivery tube to secure the band to the delivery tube then move away from the outer surface of the delivery tube to release the band. A pull wire can be engaged to the band to secure the band to the delivery tube then be pulled proximally to release the band from the delivery tube. At least a portion of the braid of the braided implant can be positioned within a lumen of the delivery tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides collapsible medical devices that are formed from a braided tubular member configured to allow the braided tubular member to be terminated into one or more marker bands while maintaining an open lumen from a proximal end to a distal end. The collapsible medical device including the braided tubular member can be easily pulled down into a delivery sheath or other delivery device so that it is suitable for use with a number of delivery devices. The marker bands, which provide one or more attachment points for a medical device/delivery system, are positioned at one or more locations on the braid such that the braid is fixed and cannot unravel, thus preventing entanglement between individual braid wires and malformation of the device.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member having a stent receiving region. A stent may be disposed along the stent receiving region. The system may also include a deployment sheath axially slidable relative to the inner member. The deployment sheath may have a proximal end region. A rack may be coupled to the proximal end region of the deployment sheath. An outer shaft may be disposed along at least a portion of the deployment sheath. The deployment sheath may be rotatable relative to the inner member, the outer shaft or both.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: A constraint arrangement for a stent-graft loaded onto a delivery system having a suture extending circumferentially around a surface of a graft from a first fixed end fixed to a stent-graft to a positionable region, and through the graft at a first constraining perforation into the lumen and returning out of the lumen to the surface of the graft at a second constraining perforation to a second fixed end fixed to the stent-graft, thereby forming a loop of the suture within a lumen of the graft, the loop wrapped circumferentially around a cannula such that a pair of legs of the loop hold the positionable region with respect to the cannula, wherein a bight of the loop extends through a gap between the legs and wherein the release wire extends through the bight thereby capturing the bight and releasably securing the loop around the cannula.

Abstract: This document describes devices, systems, and methods for automatically deploying intravascular devices. For example, this document describes devices, systems, and methods for automatically deploying and controlling intravascular catheter-based devices for treating catastrophic bleeding from large and medium size vessels such as, but not limited to, the aorta or iliac arteries. In some embodiments, an operator/care giver will simply press the system against the patient's body proximate to a desired site of insertion, or will attach the system to the patient proximate to the desired site of insertion. The operator will then activate the system. Thereafter, the system will use built in imaging (e.g., ultrasound) to locate a proper insertion point and then deploy an access needle to attain vascular access. With that, the system will then automatically insert the intravascular device into the patient.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for delivering a medical implant may include an inner shaft around which a compartment is defined, the compartment being adapted to receive the medical implant therein. The catheter assembly may include an outer shaft coaxially surrounding at least a portion of the inner shaft and movable in longitudinal directions relative to the inner shaft. The outer shaft may define a lumen therein, the inner shaft and the outer shaft together defining a space therebetween, the space providing liquid communication between a proximal end of the catheter assembly and the compartment. The catheter assembly may include a distal sheath fixedly connected to the outer shaft, the distal sheath being movable between a closed condition covering the compartment and an open condition uncovering the compartment for deployment of the medical implant. A lubricant containing albumin may be disposed within at least a portion of the space.

Abstract: Intragastric volume-occupying devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. The devices, which are inflated by carbon dioxide, include an aluminum or silicon oxide barrier layer providing carbon dioxide retention and an alkylene vinyl alcohol polymer layer providing structural integrity in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for aiding a surgeon to perform a surgical procedure on an eye. The surgical procedure includes inserting an elongate probe from an opening into the eye across an anterior chamber to a target tissue region comprising a trabecular meshwork and a Schlemm's canal. Exemplary systems include an optical microscope for the surgeon to view the eye with a microscope image during the procedure; an optical coherence tomography (OCT) apparatus configured to perform an OCT scan of a target location in the target tissue region during the procedure; and an image processing apparatus configured to generate an augmented image by overlaying an OCT image of target location and a graphical visual element identifying the locations, wherein the graphical visual element is registered with the microscope image to aid the surgeon in advancing a distal end of the elongate probe to the target location.

Abstract: An implant, disposed within a catheter, comprises a ring, anchors, and adjustment elements. The ring comprises struts arranged in a pattern of alternating peaks and troughs. Each strut has a first end-portion and a second end-portion. Each peak is defined by convergence of adjacent first end-portions disposed at an angle with respect to each other, and each trough is defined by convergence of adjacent second end-portions. Each of the anchors has a longitudinal axis, is coupled to the ring at a respective trough, and is configured to be driven along the longitudinal axis with respect to the trough and into tissue of the heart. Each of the adjustment elements is configured to adjust an angular disposition between a respective pair of the struts. A first adjustment element is coupled to its pair, and a second adjustment element is coupled to its pair distal to the first adjustment element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for performing intravascular procedures. More particularly the present invention relates to a vascular treatment system that includes an elongate catheter having a configurable segment with a coaxial expandable member, an expandable ring fastener mounted on the expandable member and a handle assembly connected to the catheter that actuates the configurable segment to change shape and maintain that shape during deployment of the expandable ring fastener within the lumen of a previously placed endovascular graft to secure the graft to a vessel wall.

Abstract: Stent delivery systems including a deployment sheath for the stent, and an anti-catch member positionable adjacent to a proximal end of the deployment sheath and designed to allow the proximal end of the deployment sheath to be passed through the stent without catching on the stent.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the delivery of an implant into the prostatic urethra. Embodiments of delivery systems can include a delivery device for insertion into the patient and a proximal control device for use in controlling release of the implant from the delivery device.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for implanting a stent graft includes a flexible sheath that defines loops distributed longitudinally and wherein substantial alignment of the loops along a longitudinal axis of a guidewire catheter radially constrict the flexible sheath. The flexible sheath defines longitudinal edges that at least partially form a seem when the openings are aligned, whereby, upon alignment, the flexible sheath defines at least one fenestration in the luminal configuration of the flexible sheath. A ligature extends through the openings of the flexible sheath and causes the openings to be substantially aligned, thereby constraining the flexible sheath. The ligature is proximally retractable from the openings to thereby release the flexible sheath from a radially constricted configuration.

Abstract: A shunt is described that expands to an hourglass shape. As the shunt expands, both of its ends radially flare outwards relative to its middle section and the length of the shunt foreshortens, which causes the flared ends to engage the tissue surrounding a puncture or aperture within a patient's tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus, and kit for assisting the expansion of a self-expanding stent, especially within highly curved or tortuous blood vessels. An elongated pusher having an expandable distal mesh portion can be positioned within a self-expanding stent, expanding during delivery to provide extra expansion force to the stent to ensure the stent properly expands.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes a catheter defining one or more lumens. A filter is coupled to the catheter adjacent a distal end of the catheter, and the filter is movable between an unexpanded and expanded configuration via a filter activation wire that extends through a lumen. An expandable balloon is coupled to the catheter proximally of the filter, and a stent is disposed over at least a portion of the balloon. To deploy the stent to a target site, the filter is first moved into its expanded position via the filter activation wire. Then, the stent is expanded, and the balloon is inflated to expand the stent further radially. The balloon is then deflated, the filter is contracted, and the catheter, balloon, and filter are removed from the body.

Abstract: A right ventricle-pulmonary artery conduit provides a first end having a first disc extending radially therefrom and a second disc, proximate to the first disc. The second disc extends radially from the first end. An expandable lumen section extends between the first disc and the second disc. The conduit also has a second end, distal from the first end.

Abstract: Various embodiments incorporate an “end effector” in a magnetic anastomosis device system. The end effector is located between the handle of an endoscope or laparoscope and the distal end of the catheter. The end effector engages with and secures the magnetic anastomosis device assembly within a body lumen. The end effector is able to hold a magnetic device or devices with a tensile strength of 0-10 lbs. The end effector is small enough that two instruments of 1.8 mm diameter or smaller may be placed in a 3.7 mm working channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system including a stent graft cover, a screw gear, and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes an external slider, a T-tube, and a Y-adapter. The external slider is configured to rotate about the screw gear. The T-tube and the Y-adapter collectively form a hub configured to slide linearly along the screw gear as the external slider rotates. The T-tube defines a main lumen port extending therethrough and is configured to receive the stent graft cover and a main lumen. The Y-adapter defines a secondary lumen port and is configured to receive a secondary lumen.

Abstract: A stent delivery system can include a core member having a distal portion, where the distal portion is configured to be positioned within a lumen of the stent; a cover having a first end portion coupled to the distal portion of the core member and a free second end portion, the cover having (a) a first position in which the second end portion of the cover is configured to at least partially surround a proximal end portion of the stent while the stent is positioned over the core member in a compressed state, and (b) a second position in which the second end portion of the cover is uncoupled from the stent; and a shoulder coupled to the distal portion of the core member at a location distal to the first end portion of the cover, the shoulder configured to abut the proximal end portion of the stent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heart valve prosthesis loading device and a method for loading a heart valve prosthesis onto a delivery system.

Abstract: A handle assembly for a prosthesis delivery device is disclosed. The handle assembly comprises a stationary main handle having a proximal end and a distal end and an outer surface extending therebetween. A first helical groove is formed in at least a portion of the outer surface of the main handle and a first trigger wire actuation mechanism disposed about the main handle and rotatably moveable relative to the main handle. A first trigger wire is operatively connected to the first trigger wire actuation mechanism, the first trigger wire having a prosthesis capture condition and a prosthesis release condition. Movement of the first trigger wire actuation mechanism causes movement of the first trigger wire thereby moving the first trigger wire from the prosthesis capture condition to the prosthesis release condition. Additional trigger wire actuation mechanisms operatively connected to one or more additional trigger wires may also be disposed about the main handle.

Abstract: A hybrid endoprosthetic device comprises a stented tubular part and a branched tubular body connected such that a main lumen of the stented tubular part communicates with a main lumen of the branched tubular body. The branched tubular body has multiple branch lumens for connection with natural vessels of the vasculature, and includes at least one branch lumen for access to facilitate delivery and implantation of the hybrid endoprosthetic device by an endovascular step in a hybrid surgical procedure. The hybrid endoprosthetic device is configured to replace a part of the aorta and common iliac artery. A delivery system for use with the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an endovascular graft within a blood vessel. The delivery system includes a tip assembly including a tip and a sleeve having a proximal end. The delivery system includes a tip capture mechanism. The tip assembly is configured to move axially relative to the tip capture mechanism and between a delivery position and a release position. The tip capture mechanism includes a landing zone. The delivery system includes a travel limiter configured to align the proximal end with the landing zone when the tip assembly is in the release position to facilitate removal of the delivery system from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A delivery system for a prosthetic valve device includes a first shaft including an outflow capture device mounted on a distal end thereof, a second shaft slidingly disposed over the first shaft and including an inflow capture device mounted on a distal end thereof, and a retractable sheath slidingly disposed over the second shaft to hold the prosthetic valve device in a radially compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen. The inflow capture device is configured for releasable engagement through openings in a plurality of first attachment members on the device. The outflow capture device is configured for releasable engagement through openings in a plurality of second attachment members on the device.

Abstract: A delivery system for a transcatheter heart valve (THV) to a subject is provided, the delivery system includes a delivery catheter housing the THV therein; an elongated member for receiving the THV thereon and having an accessory extending from the distal portion thereof, the accessory comprising a plurality of components for alignment with commissures of the THV during delivery of the THV, and a rotational member connected to the elongated member to rotate the accessory and THV together to align with a native or bioprosthetic valve commissure or valve leaflet at a desired angle.

Abstract: A guide sheath device with an integrated stabilization wire is provided. The guide sheath device includes an elongate member having a proximal and distal end and a lumen there between and a stabilization wire integrated to the elongate member.

Abstract: A tool for removing non-visually, urinary tract stents placed within the urinary tract of a patient, comprising a distal end, a longitudinally-extending stem, and a handle. The distal end has a conical head with a groove for hooking a stent, stent string or similar stent configuration. The snare head may have a channel for advancing the tool through a urethra over a guide wire. The snare head has a narrow conical front end for dilating urethral strictures. The stem connects the snare head to the snare handle and is made to be flexible or bend on encountering resistance.