Abstract:
Disclosed is a self-expanding medical implant for placement within a lumen of a patient. The implant comprises a woven or non-woven structure having a substantially tubular configuration, and is designed to be low-profile such that it is deliverable with a small diameter catheter. The implant has a high recoverability and desirable mechanical properties. The implant comprises a plurality of open area (214) having a continuous outer boundary and one or more elements (310) spanning one or more open area of the implant and connecting proximal and distal boundary portions of said open area. The spanning element (310) due to its nature (for instance due to its material) applies a force to the implant that acts in favour of radial expansion and axial contraction, thus enhancing radial strength.
Abstract:
Catheters (10) for aspiration of thrombotic, atherosclerotic or other particulate embolic debris from a blood vessel. An elongate flexible aspiration tube (31) has an aspiration lumen (12) defined by a reinforced tube wall. A guidewire tube (51) is secured alongside the aspiration tube extending proximally from a distal end thereof to define either over-the-wire or single operator catheter configurations . The portion of the aspiration tube alongside the guidewire tube has an oval transverse cross section with a minor axis extending transversely through the guidewire tube. The oval cross section of the aspiration tube improves the catheter' s efficient use of cross sectional space by making the overall catheter transverse cross section nearly equal in orthogonal dimensions. Methods of making aspiration catheters are also disclosed, including permanently deforming the portion of the aspiration tube into an oval transverse cross section.
Abstract:
An expandable catheter (10) accommodates a medical device that is being removed from a body with a larger diameter than the catheter. The same catheter may be used to reposition a device within the body to an alternative delivery site. A catheter or sheath may be used to deliver a medical device, surgical instrument, or biological sample.
Abstract:
An introducer sheath or catheter can be formed in two or more layers with an inner layer made of a higher durometer material and an outer layer made of a lowerdurometer material. The inner layer can have one or a combination of the following: one or more longitudinal slits, overlapping portions, monolithic hinges, or other formations to allow for radial expansion.
Abstract:
A hemostasis valve includes a single gland with multiple offset longitudinal slits that do no extend through the gland completely. The multiple slits from a complex pathway for the guide dilator/catheter and thus a better seal. The offset slits are joined by a lateral cut in the gland. When a guide wire or dilator/catheter in introduced into the introducer, the gland deforms sufficiently to allow the guide wire or other device to move through the first slits, the lateral cut and the second slits. This complex pathway or slit provides a larger sealing surface thereby creating a better seal. As a result, effective seals may be formed around relatively large, as compared to the inner diameter of an introducer sheath, catheters.
Abstract:
A medical catheter including a composite laminated shaft having a longitudinal segment that is mechanically deformed to have reduced and varying stiffness. A method of making the catheter is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An expandable catheter accommodates a medical device that is being removed from a body with a larger diameter than the catheter. The same catheter may be used to reposition a device within the body to an alternative delivery site. A catheter or sheath may be used to deliver a medical device, surgical instrument, or biological sample.
Abstract:
A hemostasis valve includes a single gland (16) with multiple offset longitudinal slits (32/34) that do no extend through the gland (16) completely. The multiple slits (32/34) from a complex pathway for the guide dilator/catheter (58) and thus a better seal. The offset slits (32/34) are joined by a lateral cut (36) in the gland. When a guide wire or dilator/catheter (58) is introduced into the introducer, the gland (16) deforms sufficiently to allow the guide wire or other device (58) to move through the first slits (32), the lateral cut (36) and the second slits (34). This complex pathway or slit provides a larger sealing surface thereby creating a better seal. As a result, effective seals may be formed around relatively large, as compared to the inner diameter of an introducer sheath, catheters.
Abstract:
The present invention provides systems and methods for the targeted delivery of a therapeutic agent using expandable devices that are temporarily or permanently placed within the body. Such therapeutic agents may be delivered as a coating on the outer surface of the expandable device. Once positioned at a desired location within the body, the device is expanded such that its drug-coated outer surface establishes direct contact with a target tissue. The expanded device remains in contact with the target tissue for a pre-determined amount of time prior to being withdrawn from the body. Delivery of the therapeutic agent using the expandable device may be followed, or preceded, by delivery of a second expandable device to the same location within the body.
Abstract:
Delivery systems for a polymeric tubular implant, kits that include such delivery systems, and methods of treating patients by implanting tubular implants using the delivery systems. The delivery systems include an inner shaft, an expandable member slidably disposed about the inner shaft and configured to receive the tubular implant, and a tubular outer shaft disposed about the inner shaft.