Abstract: A medical instrument is provided including, an expandable tip which is embedded within a sheath. The expandable tip comprises a plurality of fingers which extend distally from the embedded portion. The plurality of fingers are heat set in a first position so that the distal ends of the fingers define a distal opening, where the distal opening has a smaller diameter than the embedded portion of the expandable tip. The plurality of fingers is reversibly expandable to a second position, creating a larger distal opening to deploy an expandable accessory.

Abstract: There is described an arteriovenous fistula stent, having a tubular body comprising a series of sinusoidal shaped struts along the length of the tubular body. A plurality of curvilinear connectors extend between and are attached to adjacent struts wherein a first end of a connector is attached to a distal face of a proximal strut apex and a second end of a connector is attached to a proximal face of a distal strut apex. A pair of unconnected strut apexes are between pairs of connected apexes. When the tubular body is in a stowed configuration a proximal aperture and a distal aperture are circular and when the tubular body is in a deployed configuration the distal aperture is oblong or ovoid. There is also described a method for inserting a stent for use in creation of an arteriovenous fistula by identifying a candidate artery and a candidate vein and dissecting the candidate vein. Next, inserting a stent into the vein and creating a breach in the candidate artery at a desired angle and location.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a stent structure having an elongate member longitudinal portions of which overlap to define the crossover structures. The stent structure may also include loop structures, which are contiguous with the crossover structures, through which a filament extends. A guard structure is secured to the stent structure and located adjacent to the crossover structures to obstruct displacement of the filament between the longitudinal portions of the elongate member of the crossover structures. A method for operating the endoprosthesis includes displacing the loop structures toward one another along the filament to displaced positions relative to the suture structure for reducing the respective profiles of the stent structure and patch structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure provide an encapsulating material, an encapsulating cover plate, a sintering equipment, a sintering method, and a display apparatus, and relate to the technical field of display. This encapsulating material comprises a leveling auxiliary material, wherein the leveling auxiliary material is used to move upon excitation so as to level the encapsulating material when the encapsulating material is subjected to sintering, and is thus used in the encapsulation of a cover plate to be encapsulated and an encapsulating cover plate.

Abstract: An intravascular filter device having a flexible arm which comprises a portion of an alarm system for detecting filling or plugging of the filter by captured emboli is described. The flexible arm may be made of ferromagnetic material, a magnet, or have at its tip a magnet which, as it moves under systolic and diastolic pressures, generates a signal detectable by an electrical sensor or a magnetometer. The signals from each of a pair of artery filters may be measured and compared to determine whether one filter is plugged. A system for detection and a method of use are also provided.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes an expandable stent, a catheter, and a sheath. The expandable stent includes proximal and distal ends, and a first interlock structure. The catheter includes an elongated member having a second interlock structure displaceably arranged about an outer surface thereof for engaging the first interlock structure of the stent. The sheath is mounted on the elongated member and is positionable in a transport position in which the sheath covers the stent mounted on the elongated member and a deploy position in which the stent is exposed.

Abstract: A flow diversion device for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms and other medical conditions is disclosed. The flow diversion device may include a generally tubular wire stent frame formed from a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire elements that are coupled together. The device further includes a base layer of graft material coupled to the wire stent frame and surrounding at least a portion thereof, the wire stent frame maintaining the base layer in an open condition. In some embodiments, the base layer may be formed of porous graft material having a plurality of pores formed thereon to provide a passageway for a small blood flow to maintain the long term patency of important small side branches, while also reducing blood flow to the aneurysm to promote occlusion and avoid potential rupture.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide delivery systems. In one embodiment, the delivery system includes a cannula having proximal and distal regions and a lumen extending therebetween. An atraumatic tip is coupled to the proximal region of the cannula. A proximal region of a housing component is disposed at least partially within a cavity of the atraumatic tip and secured to the atraumatic tip, and a distal region of the housing component extends at least partially distally beyond the atraumatic tip. A proximal region of a trigger wire is housed within the distal region of the housing component in a delivery state.

Abstract: The stent of the present invention combines a helical strut band interconnected by coil elements. This structure provides a combination of attributes that are desirable in a stent, such as, for example, substantial flexibility, stability in supporting a vessel lumen, cell size and radial strength. The structure of the stent of the present invention provides a predetermined geometric relationship between the helical strut band and interconnected coil.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for preparing a modified biodegradable polymer by using various additives and plasticizers in a biodegradable polymer which is non-toxic to human bodies, a biodegradable polymer prepared therefrom, and a biodegradable stent prepared by using the biodegradable polymer. Specifically, it is possible to reduce a decrease in molecular weight resulting from a thermal degradation occurring during the solid-phase molding processing of a biodegradable polymer by coating a solution in which various additives are dissolved during the modification of the biodegradable polymer to convert the hydroxyl end group into a functional group of a carboxylic group or a different kind of hydroxyl group.

Abstract: A device to release from an implant bed in the device a self-expanding implant by pulling back proximally, the length of the implant, a rolling membrane with an inner sleeve that extends distally to the distal end of the implant and an outer sleeve that extends proximally, from the distal end of the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve, during said release, pulling the distal end of the inner sleeve back proximally over the abluminal surface of the remainder of the inner sleeve, proximal of its distal end, the device having a slitter, that is caused to move proximally contemporaneously with the outer sleeve, to slit the inner sleeve progressively, starting at a distal point in the inner sleeve, and progressing proximally along the length of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery devices for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components which are moveable relative to each other. The delivery system can include a nose cone which can cover at least a first end of the prosthesis, an outer elongate member which can cover at least a second end of the prosthesis, and a tether which can at least partially restrain the prosthesis from deployment.

Abstract: An endovascular system (10) includes an endovascular implant (20) and a delivery tool (30). The implant (20) is configured to assume a radially-compressed delivery state, and a radially-expanded deployment state. The delivery tool (30) includes a proximal main delivery catheter (36), having a distal portion (46) in which the implant (20) is disposed while in the radially-compressed delivery state; and a distal restraining assembly (50), which includes a restraining-assembly tubular shaft (52) disposed distal to the proximal main delivery catheter (36). The distal restraining assembly (50) is configured to assume an engaged state, in which the distal restraining assembly (50) prevents proximal displacement of the implant (20) relative to the distal restraining assembly (50), and a disengaged state, in which the distal restraining assembly (50) allows proximal displacement of the implant (20) relative to the distal restraining assembly (50). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A balloon coating method and apparatus are disclosed which can perform coating while freely controlling, for example, the thickness of a coating layer and/or the morphological form of a drug. The balloon coating method and the balloon coating apparatus are for forming a coating layer on a surface of a balloon. The balloon coating method includes a pulling step of pulling the balloon in the direction of an axis of the balloon to thereby straighten a bend of the balloon, and a coating step of rotating the balloon about the axis of the balloon, with the balloon maintained in the bend-straightened state, and coating an outer surface of the balloon with a coating liquid containing a drug.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis delivery system includes a wire holder on a distal section of an elongated shaft with a plurality of wires extending distally from the wire holder and, in a secured position, terminating in a distal receiver attached to the elongated shaft distal to the wire holder. A single wire attached to the wire holder and extending proximally along the delivery system to a point easily accessible by the operator may be pulled proximally to move the wires out of the distal receiver and release the endoprosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery device comprises a cannula having an expandable positioning device disposed at the proximal end thereof. A prosthesis is retained on the cannula distal of the expandable device. Expansion of the expandable device retains and centers the delivery device and the prosthesis carried thereon in the vessel and allows repositioning of the prosthesis without contacting the proximal end of the prosthesis with the vessel walls prior to deployment.

Abstract: A stent graft system for intraluminal deployment in an aorta and a branch vessel includes an aorta stent graft with a fenestration aligned with a branch vessel and a branch vessel prosthesis with a flaring portion at a proximal end and a tubular portion. When deployed, the flaring portion of the branch vessel prosthesis is retained within the aorta stent graft, and the tubular portion extends through the fenestration and into the branch vessel. The system includes at least one positional indicator, including a positional indicator associated with the branch vessel prosthesis for indicating the position of a point along the branch vessel prosthesis predetermined for optimal alignment with the fenestration during deployment.

Abstract: A stent delivery system includes a wire collection device which is constructed with a thumbwheel coupled to a collection spindle that is rotatable to collect a retraction wire about the collection spindle. A proximal end of an outer stent-constraining sheath is coupled to the collection spindle by the retraction wire and a distal end of the outer sheath retractably surrounds a distally-disposed self-expanding stent. The wire collection device includes a first set of gears at a higher gear ratio and a second set of gears at a lower gear ratio. Stent deployment speed may be controlled or varied by switching or alternating between engaging the first of gears and the second set of gears, thereby accommodating changing resistance as the outer sheath is retracted and releases binding force of the stent.

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: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a mechanically releasable delivery system. More specifically, this embodiment includes an implantable device secured by tether at a distal end of the delivery system. The tether is fixed to the implantable device and looped around a selectively slidable mandrel. When the mandrel is retracted to expose its distal end, the looped tether slides off the mandrel, freeing the implantable device. Alternately, the tether can be fixed to the delivery system, wrapped around a portion of the implantable device and looped on to the slidable mandrel. Preferably, movement of the mandrel is controlled by an actuation control on the handle of the delivery system, allowing the user to selectively release the implantable device during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A system for internal iliac preservation includes a catheter having a distal catheter portion and a proximal catheter portion; a first guidewire having a proximal portion extending from the proximal catheter portion, a distal portion and a medial portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion; a first outer sheath slidably disposed over distal catheter portion; and an integrated second delivery system disposed within the outer sheath at the distal catheter portion. The integrated second delivery system includes a second guidewire; an expandable stent-graft disposed over a lumen of the second guidewire, and a slidable connector slidably disposed over the medial portion of the first guidewire, where the second guidewire is slidably engaged with the slidable connection to permit movement of the integrated second delivery system along the first guidewire when the first outer sheath is retracted from distal catheter portion.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer tubular member. A distal holding section may extend distally of a distal end of the inner tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving an implantable leadless pacing device. The device may further include a hub portion including at least a first hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the outer tubular member and a second hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the inner tubular member. A first locking mechanism configured to releasably couple the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member may be disposed within the hub portion.

Abstract: In a method for treating an aortic arch disease, after an intraoperative stent is expanded in an aorta and at least one arch branch vessel, and before the vessel is exactly anastomosed with an incision, by blocking a thoracic aorta between the incision and an arch branch vessel closest to the incision, the intraoperative stent in the thoracic aorta is also blocked, so that blood is prevented from flowing from the incision, and a proximal orifice of the intraoperative stent, and the low body perfusion may be recovered in advance, thereby reducing the circulatory arrest time of the low body perfusion and reducing the time of ischemia of visceral organs and lower limbs of a patient. Meanwhile, the flow of a cerebral perfusion through the right axillary artery may be recovered to a normal flow in advance, and the time of ischemia of the brain of the patient is reduced.

Abstract: A release device (150, 150a, 150b) for detaching a medical implant (105) from an insertion device (110), comprising a body (10, 10a, 10b) having a proximal end (12), which during use lies furthest from a distal end (120) of the insertion device (110), and a distal end (14), which during use faces the distal end (120) of the insertion device (110), wherein at least one first actuator (16, 18) is provided between the proximal and distal ends (12, 14), wherein the at least first actuator (16, 18) can be tilted about an axis substantially perpendicularly to at least one of the insertion elements (132, 134) so as to effect a targeted relative movement in the longitudinal direction between the first and second insertion elements (132, 134) of the insertion device (110).

Abstract: A pusher guide wire and a delivery system can smoothly pass through the inside of even a curved blood vessel without causing excessive burden to a stent, a catheter, and the like. A pusher guide wire has a tubular member capable of moving in a radial direction relative to a core shaft of the pusher guide wire. When the pusher guide wire is used together with a stent in a delivery system, the tubular member makes contact with the stent in an appropriate manner when passing through the inside of a curved blood vessel. The stent may include a proximal end engagement portion provided at a proximal end of the stent. When the stent is placed so that the proximal end engagement portion engages with the pusher guide wire, the stent can be pulled back inside the catheter by pulling the pusher guide wire in the proximal direction.

Abstract: A system for replacing a deficient native aortic valve includes an implantable prosthetic valve having a self-expandable frame and a valve assembly formed with three valve leaflets. The self-expandable frame includes a plurality of support beams, each support beam having a plurality of preformed bores for allowing the valve assembly to be anchored to the frame at least in part by stitching that extends through the leaflets and through the preformed bores of the support beams. The system also includes a restriction tube adapted for insertion into a patient's body. The prosthetic valve is capable of being crimped for insertion into the restriction tube and capable of self-expansion upon release from the restriction tube for deployment in the deficient native aortic valve.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a method of crimping a tubular stent having a stent lumen onto an inflatable balloon of a stent delivery catheter.

Abstract: A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a thumbwheel rotatably mounted in a handle. A termination assembly is mechanically connected to the handle. A catheter extends through the termination assembly and has a proximal end attached to the handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position refracted proximally to uncover the distal carrier segment. A pull extends between the thumbwheel and the retractable sheath, and through the termination assembly. A stability sheath that receives the pull and the inner catheter has a proximal end that terminates in the termination assembly.

Abstract: A delivery system deploys a prosthesis for open surgical repair of a body vessel. The system includes a sleeve to retain segments of a prosthesis in a compressed configuration and retraction members. The sleeve has outer segments associated with each end of the prosthesis. Retraction of the retraction members removes the outer segments of the sleeve from the prosthesis outer ends to allow for expansion of the outer ends of the prosthesis in an outside-in direction. The system can include a handle and an actuation member movably attached to the handle. The actuation member is coupled to the sleeve outer segments so that movement of the actuation member corresponds to removal of the sleeve. The system can include elements to retain the sleeve outer segments to the actuation member and to redirect the retraction members to a direction different from the axis of the prosthesis.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for insertion in the left atrial appendage includes a cap coupled to a frame. The cap constrains movement of the legs of the frame during collapse and expansion of the device, such that the device can be deployed, recalled and redeployed without the device being damaged or the legs of the frame getting tangled.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient is provided that includes an expandable vascular device having a body having a substantially uniform porosity that is adapted to change by adjusting an axial length of the body. The system also includes an expanding member positioned within a central lumen of the device, the expanding member configured to engage the body, as the body is radially expanded from a collapsed configuration, and to reduce a porosity of the body within a body region more than the body porosity is reduced outside the region.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis and implantation device, and methods for use are provided. The devices may be used for transcatheter delivery of an aortic valve prosthesis or transapical delivery of a mitral valve prosthesis. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis, reducing the extent of imaging needed during the implantation procedure.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter and related methods of use or manufacture are disclosed. The catheter includes an outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, and an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An inflatable balloon have a proximal end waist coupled to the outer tubular member adjacent to the distal end thereof, and a distal end waist coupled to the inner tubular member adjacent to the distal end thereof. The balloon includes an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a lumen defined by the interior surface. The balloon further includes at least one section extending from the interior surface of the balloon to the exterior surface of the balloon. A transmitter is disposed about the inner tubular member. In addition to the above, the proximal end waist is coupled to the outer tubular member such that an inflation fluid exits the balloon.

Abstract: Computer program products, methods, systems, apparatus, and computing entities are provided for segmenting operational data and identifying events of interest in the segmented operational data. With the events of interest identified, a total time between the events of interest can be determined.

Abstract: A suture passer assembly is used for manipulating a suture with a selectively moveable wire member. The suture passer assembly includes at least one grasping member and a single-body hollow tube. The tube defines a first end, a second end, a tube wall, and a tube passage extending from the first end to the second end. The wire member is moveably received within the tube passage. The tube wall includes at least one aperture that is disposed between the first end and the second end. A first portion of the grasping member extends through the tube wall and into the tube passage via the aperture. A second portion of the grasping member remains outside the hollow tube. The first portion is operable to grasp the wire member and selectively move the wire member relative to the hollow tube due to manipulation of the second portion of the grasping member.

Abstract: Methods are provided for using an intraocular shunt deployment device to deploy an intraocular shunt from the device and into an eye.

Abstract: A micro-catheter delivery system that includes radio-opaque marker bands optimized for the purpose of length reference to assist the operating physician to estimate the length of a tortuous lesion and to anticipate foreshortening of stents with multiple sizes. The radio-opaque maker bands are positioned at the distal end of a stent delivery catheter at a certain intervals acts like a ruler. In another embodiment, a stent delivery system includes a stent delivery wire with one or more radio-opaque markers distanced from the stent distal end for indicating the non-restrained length of the stent when discharged from the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A method for inducing weight loss in a patient, the method comprising: intentionally occluding a blood vessel so as to create hypoperfusion in a gastrointestinal organ serviced by the blood vessel, whereby to interfere with normal gastrointestinal function and thereby induce weight loss in a patient.

Abstract: A thin-walled scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a link. In a first example, the marker is retained on the strut by a head at one or both ends by swaging. In a second example of a thin-walled scaffold the link is modified to avoid interference during crimping. In a third example a distal end of the thin-walled scaffold is modified to improve deliverability of the thin-walled scaffold. These features are combined in a fourth example.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular main body and a branch. The main body may include proximal and distal end openings, a lumen, a sidewall, and a fenestration in the sidewall. The branch may include a tubular retrograde branch segment, a tubular antegrade branch segment, and a tubular branch junction. The retrograde branch segment may include an inlet opening fluidly coupled to the fenestration of the main body and an outlet opening fluidly coupled to the branch junction and positioned longitudinally between the proximal end opening and the fenestration of the main body. The antegrade branch segment may include an inlet opening fluidly coupled to the branch junction and an outlet opening positioned longitudinally distal of the inlet opening of the antegrade branch segment. The retrograde branch segment and the antegrade branch segment may be in fluid communication with one another through the branch junction.

Abstract: A stent graft (18) for deployment in a curved lumen such as the aortic or thoracic arch (130) comprises a constraining mechanism at its proximal end. A stent (4?) provided at the proximal end of the stent graft (18) includes loops of material (11) that co-operate with restraining wires (42) that extend between a central guide wire carrier (24) and a restraining wire cannula (8). The constraining mechanism acts to maintain the proximal stent (4?) constrained at three points around its circumference at both the proximal and distal ends of the proximal stent (4?). The proximal stent (4?) is thus allowed to expand after expansion of the remainder of the stent graft (18) during deployment. In an embodiment, the constraining mechanism acts to constrain two adjacent struts of the proximal stent (4?) at three points radially therearound, at the proximal end of the stent (4?) and at the distal end of the stent (4?).

Abstract: A system for treating a bifurcation includes a first radially expandable stent and a second radially expandable stent. The first stent has a side hole and a plurality of lateral elements extending from the side hole. The second stent has a plurality of axial elements extending away from the proximal end of the second stent. The axial elements of the second stent interdigitate with the lateral elements of the first stent when both stents have been expanded.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering and affixing tissue replacements. In one embodiment, a tissue scaffold can be delivered into a patient through a cannula to a cavity formed at a defect site in tissue, e.g., cartilage. A delivery shaft can be used to deliver the scaffold through the cannula, and a loading device can help load the scaffold onto the delivery shaft. A delivery guide device can position and temporarily hold the scaffold within the cavity. The delivery guide device can guide one or more surgical instruments to the scaffold to affix the scaffold within the cavity, e.g., to bone underlying the scaffold, using at least one securing mechanism.

Abstract: A position and orientation system and method is provided. A magnetoresistance sensor is provided having a sensor array configured to measure magnetic fields and a metallic coil positioned within the magnetoresistance sensor. In certain embodiments, the magnetic coil may be used to generate a known magnetic field that, when measured by the sensor array, may be used to determine or update a calibration constant for the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved medical devices for occluding a left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, the medical device includes a temperature activated memory shape foam that is constructed to transition from a first collapsed conformation to a second expanded conformation upon an increase in temperature such that it can expand to provide an occlusive benefit inside a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment the medical device includes a flowable thermoset that is injected into the left atrial appendage where is it cured so that it may assume the conformation of the left atrial appendage and provide an occlusive benefit.

Abstract: A unitary or homogeneous patterned implant is provided. The implant is constructed of patterned cells formed by way of a molding, die casting, laser etching, laser cutting, extruding, and the like. Portions of the implant can be formed into sinusoid or other waveform strut members. One or more undulating anchor arms or rods extend out from the implant for tissue fixation, with the one or more undulating anchor arms including one or more arcuate bends.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a first actuating mechanism for actuating a constraining sheath between a first state releasably constraining a vascular implant and a second state allowing deployment of the vascular implant; a second actuating mechanism for actuating a blocking mechanism between a blocked state for blocking other functions of the handle and an unblocked state for allowing operation of the other functions of the handle; and an operating knob operatively coupled to both of the first and second actuating mechanisms for concurrent operation of both of the first and second actuating mechanisms in response to actuation of the operating knob.

Abstract: Described embodiments are directed toward prosthetic valve leaflets of particular configurations that control bending character. In embodiments provided herein, a valve leaflet is provided with a planar zone that is bounded at a planar zone base by a straight line, wherein the leaflet is operable to bend along a base of the planar zone.

Abstract: A sealable vascular endograft system for placement in a vascular defect includes a delivery catheter shaped to be disposed within a blood vessel. The delivery catheter includes an implant delivery catheter sheath defining an implant delivery catheter lumen and an endovascular implant removably disposed within the implant delivery catheter lumen in a compressed or folded state for delivery thereof to the vascular defect. The endovascular implant includes a tubular implant body and a sealable circumferential collar including a variable sealing device and a control lead traversing from the variable sealing device to a user and controlling variability of the variable sealing device by the user. The sealing device and the control lead cooperate to reversibly expand and contract the sealable circumferential collar to circumferentially adjust during deployment thereof to achieve a repositionable fluid-tight seal between the sealable circumferential collar and the internal walls proximal to the vascular defect.

Abstract: A vascular intervention device delivery system, such as for implanting a self expanding stent, includes a thumbwheel rotatably mounted in a handle. The thumbwheel includes a radially outward thumb surface and a radially outward toothed surface that may be moved into and out of contact with a catch by mounting the thumbwheel on a pivot plate within the handle. The pivot plate may be pivoted with respect to the handle between a locked position to prevent rotation of the thumbwheel, and an unlocked position that permits rotation of the thumbwheel. A catheter has a proximal end attached to the handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull extends between the thumbwheel and the retractable sheath.