Abstract:
Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a stent including at least one member having a first portion and a second portion and at least one radiopaque connector joining the first portion to the second portion. In one or more embodiments, at least one radiopaque connector may form a first radiopaque pattern distinguishable from a second radiopaque pattern formed by at least one radiopaque marker. Methods for manufacturing a stent including at least two member portions connected by at least one radiopaque connector are also provided.
Abstract:
A medical device consists of a stent having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface; a single expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) layer contacting the first surface of the stent; and an elastomeric layer applied to at least one surface of the stent. In at least one embodiment, the elastomeric layer is silicone. In at least one embodiment, the medical device is manufactured by positioning the ePTFE layer such that a first surface of the ePTFE layer contacts a first surface of the stent to form a stent-ePTFE assembly; and applying an elastomeric solution to the first surface of the ePTFE layer and at least one surface of the stent.
Abstract:
A gastrostomy device includes an elongate tube extending from a proximal end to a distal end and having a tube diameter. The elongate tube has a length that enables the elongate tube to extend from a position exterior a patient to a position interior the patient's stomach. A resealable valve is disposed within the proximal end of the elongate tube. An inflation lumen extends along the elongate tube and an inflation port is disposed near the proximal end of the elongate tube and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A silicone balloon is secured relative to the distal end of the elongate tube and is in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. The silicone balloon has a distal region, a proximal region and an intervening middle region that, when inflated, stretches more than the distal region or the proximal region.
Abstract:
Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.
Abstract:
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for delivering a powdered agent into a subject's body may include a powder chamber housing the powdered agent. The apparatus also may include a chassis in fluid connection with the powder chamber. The chassis may include a first passage for receiving a pressurized gas, a second passage for receiving the powdered agent from the powder chamber, and a junction in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage. At least a first portion of the pressurized gas is introduced into the powdered agent at the junction to fluidize the powdered agent.
Abstract:
A stent having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface of the stent comprising a tacky biocompatible coating comprising a tacky polymer material and to methods of delivering and deploying a stent using a tacky biocompatible coating comprising a tacky polymer material.
Abstract:
Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.
Abstract:
Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.
Abstract:
A method of loading an expandable stent into a delivery device may include positioning a middle portion of the expandable stent in a collapsing fixture including a passage extending therethrough, radially compressing the middle portion of the expandable stent in the passage before any other portion of the expandable stent while a first end of the expandable stent is disposed outside of the passage, moving the collapsing fixture relative to the expandable stent, radially compressing the expandable stent from the middle portion toward the first end of the expandable stent, and inserting the first end of the expandable stent followed by the middle portion of the expandable stent into a distal end of an elongate outer sheath of the delivery device.