Abstract:
The present invention relates to medical devices for implantation or insertion into body lumens, for example, catheters, guidewires, stents and aneurysm coils. The devices of the present invention comprise electrically actuated materials, such as electroactive polymers and piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials, which enhance or expand their functionality.
Abstract:
A stent can comprise a tubular body having a first region and a second region. The tubular body is defined by a plurality of serpentine bands. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of alternating proximal turns and distal turns connected by struts. The second region comprises a first serpentine band and a second serpentine band that overlap one another about a common stent circumference. The first region comprises a serpentine band that is not overlapped by another serpentine band about a common stent circumference.
Abstract:
A catheter assembly adapted to treat a vessel bifurcation. A balloon member of the catheter assembly includes a main body portion and a cylindrical shaped bulge portion that extends radially outward from the main body portion. The bulge portion extends around a circumference of the main body portion. A stent of the catheter assembly is typically mounted to the balloon member. When treating the vessel bifurcation, the catheter assembly is positioned with the bulge portion aligned axially relative to an ostium of the branch vessel. The balloon member is inflated to expand a portion of the stent into the branch vessel. The circumferential construction of the bulge portion of the balloon member reduces the need for radial (rotational) alignment of the balloon member relative to the ostium of the branch vessel.
Abstract:
A post dilatation balloon catheter includes a balloon member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a circumferential bulge portion. The circumferential bulge portion extends around a circumference of the balloon member and is positioned at a location between the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The circumferential bulge portion inflates to a maximum inflated dimension that is greater than a maximum dimension of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The balloon member is arranged into a folded state by folding at least one of the distal and proximal portions of the balloon member in a separate step from folding the circumferential bulge portion.
Abstract:
In accordance with one aspect, the invention relates to medical devices which comprise at least one reservoir, a therapeutic-agent-containing region disposed within the reservoir and an electrode comprising a conductive polymer. The devices of the invention are configured such that a rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoir changes upon a change in the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.
Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed that allow a stent to be folded within a balloon of a stent delivery system. In one example, a stent has first and second columns that extend from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis. Each of the first columns extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and comprise a plurality of elements that each have a substantially polygonal shape. Each of the second columns extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and are between adjacent first columns. Each of the respective second columns include a plurality of first connectors that have a curvilinear shape and that extend in a substantially circumferential direction to connect adjacent first columns. The stent also has a plurality of second connectors, wherein at least one of the second connectors extends between a first element and a second element.
Abstract:
In embodiments, medical devices, such as balloon catheters, can deliver a biologically active material to body tissue of a patient. The medical device includes a sponge delivery layer which can deliver multiple doses of one or more therapeutic agents to the body tissue. The medical device can further include a drug reservoir, which can supply the delivery layer with one or more therapeutic agents.
Abstract:
The present invention provides medical devices comprising nanomaterials. By utilizing nanomaterials in the production thereof, the inventive medical devices can be provided with various advantageous properties and/or capabilities. Methods of producing the inventive medical devices are also provided. Inasmuch as the inventive devices are expected to provide certain advantages in their use, there is also provided a method of medical care, including methods of treatment or diagnosis, wherein the inventive devices are brought into therapeutic contact with a body to be treated or diagnosed thereby.
Abstract:
According to one aspect, the present invention provides implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise a substrate and a coating over the substrate that comprises at least one type of conductive polymer and at least one type of additional polymer.