| BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120130471 | Venous Valve Apparatus, System, and Method - A venous valve with a tubular frame that includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a lumen, and a cover over at least the outer surface of the tubular frame, where the cover includes surfaces defining a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the lumen. A system with the venous valve and a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the venous valve located between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter. A method including forming the venous valve and reversibly joining the venous valve and a catheter. A method including positioning at least part of the catheter including the venous valve at a predetermined location and deploying the venous valve from the catheter at the predetermined location. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130418 | MAGNETICALLY RETRIEVABLE VENA CAVA FILTER AND RETRIEVAL DEVICE THEREFOR - The disclosure pertains to magnetically retrievable vena cava filters having a low torque associated therewith when subjected to a strong external magnetic field and retrieval devices therefor. The vena cava filter may include a magnetically permeable sphere or a spherical dipole magnet located within the spherical cavity of the apical hub wherein the spherical dipole magnet is free to rotate about any of three mutually orthogonal axes. The retrieval device is capable of substantially containing the vena cava filter in a collapsed state and includes a magnetically active member capable of interacting with the vena cava filter. The retrieval device may optionally include a supplemental mechanical latch. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130243 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING AND DISPLAYING BODY LUMEN BIFURCATIONS - A method for generating an ultrasound image includes receiving a sequence of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) data obtained as an IVUS imager moves through a body lumen; identifying at least one bifurcation of the body lumen from the sequence of IVUS data; determining a bifurcation angle between two branches of the body lumen; and displaying a longitudinal view of the body lumen using the IVUS data and incorporating the bifurcation angle to angularly align portions of the longitudinal view corresponding to the two portions of the body lumen. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130242 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONCURRENTLY DISPLAYING A PLURALITY OF IMAGES USING AN INTRAVASCULAR ULTRASOUND IMAGING SYSTEM - An intravascular ultrasound imaging system includes an imaging core insertable into a catheter lumen. The imaging core includes at least one transducer disposed at a distal end of a driveshaft. The at least one transducer transmits acoustic signals and transforms received echo signals to electrical signals. The at least one transducer rotates about a longitudinal axis of the catheter and moves longitudinally along a patient blood vessel as the at least one transducer transmits the acoustic signals. A control module is coupled to the imaging core. The control module includes a processor that processes received electrical signals from the at least one transducer. The processor uses the received electrical signals to generate a plurality of cross-sectional images captured along least a portion of the patient blood vessel. A display coupled to the processor concurrently displays at least two of the plurality of cross-sectional images. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130163 | Biliary Catheter Systems Including Stabilizing Members - Medical devices including devices and systems for endoscopic interventions that may access the biliary tree. An example biliary catheter system may include an endoscope having a working channel formed therein. An endoscopic instrument may be disposed in the channel. The endoscopic instrument may have a tool channel formed therein, a distal end, and a plurality of stabilizing members extending from the distal end. The plurality of stabilizing members may be configured to surround the ampulla of Vater during a biliary tract intervention. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120130156 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR TREATING PELVIC FLOOR DISORDERS - Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120128793 | IMPLANTABLE OR INSERTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE RESISTANT TO MICROBIAL GROWTH AND BIOFILM FORMATION - Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120123556 | PYLORIC OBESITY VALVE - The pyloric obesity valve includes a tubular valve body having proximal and distal ends. The valve body has an intermediate section which is between the proximal and distal ends. The proximal end is enlarged transversely relative to the intermediate section. The valve body has an inner surface and a lumen. The inner surface which is within the intermediate section has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the inner surface which coincides with the proximal end to resist a flow through the lumen of the valve body from the proximal end to the intermediate section. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123524 | Flexible Stent With Improved Axial Strength - A stent comprises a generally cylindrical band having a pattern of alternating first and second struts, the first struts being wider than the second struts, the first and second struts being of substantially the same length. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123521 | BIOABSORBABLE STENTS WITH REINFORCED FILAMENTS - According to an aspect of the present invention, a stent is provided, which contains at least one filament that has a longitudinal axis and comprises a bioabsorbable polymeric material. Polymer molecules within the bioabsorbable polymeric material are provided with a helical orientation which is aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the filament. The stent is at least partially bioabsorbed by a patient upon implantation or insertion of the stent into the patient. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123516 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND LOCKING MEMBERS FOR USE WITH STENT DELIVERY SYSTEMS - Stent delivery systems, locking members for preventing unwanted actuation of a actuation member on a stent delivery system, and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member. A deployment sheath may be disposed about the inner member. A stent may be disposed between the inner member and the deployment sheath. A handle may be coupled to the inner member and to the deployment sheath. The handle may include an actuation member. The actuation member may be configured to shift the longitudinal position of the deployment sheath relative to the inner member. A locking member may be disposed on the actuation member. The locking member may be configured to prevent unwanted actuation of the actuation member. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123271 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING ROTATIONAL TRANSDUCERS FOR CONCURRENTLY IMAGING BLOOD FLOW AND TISSUE - A method for generating a composite image using an intravascular imaging device includes receiving reflected echo signals from at least one transducer along a first of a plurality of radial scan lines. The received echo signals are passed through a plurality of signal processing channels to form a plurality of filtered signals. The filtered signals include a high-resolution tissue structure signal and at least one first pre-blood-flow-mask signal. High-resolution tissue structure signals are processed to form a high-resolution tissue structural image. First pre-blood-flow-mask signals are cross-correlated with second pre-blood-flow-mask signals from an adjacent radial scan line to form blood-flow-mask signals. Blood-flow-mask signals are processed to form a blood-flow mask. For each pixel of the composite image, it is determined whether to use a corresponding pixel of the high-resolution tissue structural image or a corresponding pixel of the cross-correlated blood flow mask to generate the composite image pixel. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120121665 | IMPLANTABLE OR INSERTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE RESISTANT TO MICROBIAL GROWTH AND BIOFILM FORMATION - Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion/biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120116491 | OCCLUSION CROSSING DEVICE AND METHOD - A stent delivery catheter for positioning a stent across a lesion of a blood vessel is disclosed. The catheter includes an inflation balloon coupled to a distal region of the elongate shaft of the catheter and a stent loaded on the inflation balloon. The catheter may also include an occlusion balloon having a proximal waist secured to the elongate shaft and a distal waist secured to the elongate shaft. The occlusion balloon includes a first folded-over portion extending distal of the distal waist to a distalmost extent of the occlusion balloon and a second folded-over portion extending proximal of the proximal waist to a proximalmost extent of the occlusion balloon. The catheter further includes a fluid discharge port located distal of the occlusion balloon for discharging a lubricious fluid exterior of the elongate shaft toward the stent to facilitate advancing the stent across an occlusion. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116425 | MESHES OF VARIABLE CONSTRUCTION - According to one aspect, the present invention provides a substantially two-dimensional surgical mesh comprising a base material, a first area having a first characteristic and a second area having a second characteristic that differs from the first characteristic. The surgical mesh may further comprise a third area having a third characteristic that may be the same as or different from the first and second characteristics, and so on. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116385 | ABLATION PROBE WITH ECHOGENIC INSULATIVE SHEATH - Tissue ablation probes are provided. Each tissue ablation probe comprises an electrically conductive probe shaft, at least one tissue ablation electrode carried by a distal end of the probe shaft, and an electrically insulative outer sheath disposed on the probe shaft. The sheath is at least partially composed of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and another material comprising condensed-phase particles interspersed throughout the PEEK to increase the echogenicity of the outer sheath. The durability of the PEEK allows the sheath to be formed as thinly as possible, thereby minimizing the diameter of the ablation probe, while the inclusion of condensed-phase particles within the PEEK does not significantly degrade the durability of the sheath. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120116269 | OCCLUSION APPARATUS - Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a left atrial appendage are provided. One embodiment includes an elongate body having a tissue apposition member extendably positioned within a lumen of the elongate body to appose tissue of the LAA. An energy emitting device coupled to the elongate body can be used for emitting high intensity focused ultrasound to the tissues to fuse the tissues. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120114749 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF EMBOLICS - Described herein are compositions comprising one or more embolics attached to an inert, dissolvable matrix as well as kits comprising these novel embolic formulations. Also described are methods of making and using these embolic formulations. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120109163 | SUTURING INSTRUMENT - The suturing instrument includes an elongate member having an articulating distal portion biased offset from the elongate member, and a sheath slideably disposed about the elongate member. The user positions the sheath in contact with the articulating distal portion to actuate the distal portion relative to the elongate member. The articulating distal portion is pivotally coupled to the elongate member for improved maneuverability within the body of a patient during surgical procedures. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120108969 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING NON-UNIFORM ROTATION DISTORTION IN ULTRASOUND IMAGES - A method for generating an ultrasound image includes receiving an image frame having consecutive ultrasound scan lines obtained using a rotating ultrasound imaging arrangement and determining first and second cross-correlation values for a plurality of the scan lines. For each individual scan line, the first cross-correlation value includes a cross-correlation coefficient between a first subframe of consecutive scan lines including the individual scan line and a second subframe of scan lines shifted from the first subframe by a first integer value. The second correlation value includes a cross-correlation coefficient between the first subframe and a third subframe of scan lines shifted from the first subframe by a second integer value. The method further includes evaluating, individually for multiple scan lines, whether that scan line exhibits non-uniform rotation distortion using at least one of the first and second cross-correlation values. A correction for non-uniform rotation distortion is applied. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120101565 | BIOABSORBABLE STENT HAVING RADIOPACITY - A radially expandable stent and methods of making the same, the stent made entirely of a bioabsorbable metal, the stent having a portion of increased radiopacity, wherein the portion of increased radiopacity has one or more of the following characteristics: | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101564 | STENTS WITH ATTACHED LOOPED ENDS - An open frame prosthesis is formed with looped end terminations at its proximal and distal ends. At one end of the prosthesis, the filaments or strands are welded together in pairs to form strand couplings. A plurality of loop segments are connected to the strand couplings, one loop segment for each pair of adjacent strand couplings. In one version of the prosthesis, strands at the opposite end are bent to form looped ends. In another version, loop segments are connected to pairs of strand couplings at both ends of the prosthesis. The loop segments can be connected to the couplings by welding, fusion bonds, or tubes, which are either crimped or heat shrunk. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101562 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - Stent delivery systems and methods for making and using stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example stent delivery system may include an inner member. A sheath may be disposed about the inner member. The sheath may include a compressible coil. A stent may be disposed between the inner member and the sheath. A membrane may extend between the inner member and the sheath. The membrane may be configured to be disposed on the stent. An outer member may be disposed over the sheath. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101525 | FIBROUS CONTAINMENT FOR HEMOSTASIS PLUG - A device for sealing an opening in a vessel includes an anchor attached to a suture. The anchor is inserted through the opening into the vessel, and the suture pulls the anchor against the vessel wall, forming a seal. A plug is inserted over the suture and is axially compressed toward the anchor, locking the elements in place. The suture is braided or woven outside of the anchor so that it may be stored and handled easily, and is unbraided, unwoven and/or untangled at its distal end inside the anchor, so that individual filaments within the suture may extend laterally within the anchor. The laterally extending filaments subtend a larger footprint within the anchor than a comparable footprint if the suture were to remain braided or tied into a knot within the anchor, which may more effectively distribute the retaining forces within the anchor. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101519 | POROUS VASCULAR CLOSURE PLUG WITH STARCH POWDER - The disclosure provides a composite plug for vascular closure including a hemostatic material, and a method of manufacturing the composite plug including a hemostatic material. The composite plug may comprise one or more materials having varying porosity, density, or composition, and may include a powdered hemostatic material. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101480 | CATHETER SHAFT - A catheter shaft having a helically wound elongate tubular member is disclosed. The catheter shaft may include a tubular member formed from helically wrapped length of material. The length of material may be wrapped to define a plurality of turns. At least some of the turns may be wrapped in an overlapping fashion such that at least a portion of a first edge of a turn overlaps at least of portion of a second edge of a turn of a previous turn defining an overlap distance. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101334 | ENDOSCOPE HAVING AUTO-INSUFFLATION AND EXSUFFLATION - An endoscopic imaging system for examining a patient's body cavity includes an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and a number of lumens therein. One or more distal gas ports are disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and one or more proximal gas ports are disposed proximal to the distal gas ports. Insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa such that a gas bubble is formed in the body cavity and travels with the distal tip of the endoscope. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120095567 | OUTER TUBE FOR STENT REPOSITIONING AND DEPLOYMENT - A drainage stent delivery system including a stent, a guide catheter, a push catheter, and an outer sheath. The guide catheter extends through the lumen of the stent and the push catheter is disposed over a portion of the guide catheter proximal of the distal end of the stent. The outer sheath is slidably disposed over the push catheter and surrounding at least a portion of the stent. The outer sheath may be actuated from a first position in which a distal portion of the outer sheath surrounds the stent to a second position in which the distal portion of the outer sheath is proximal of the stent. The stent delivery system may also include a retention mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the outer sheath which may selectively decouple the stent from the outer sheath through rotational and/or translational motion of the outer sheath relative to the stent. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095566 | FLEXIBLE URETERAL STENT - In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongated member having a sidewall defining a lumen. The lumen extends through the member and defines a center line which extends through a center of the lumen in a direction longitudinal to the member. The sidewall defines a plurality of slots. Each successive slot is circumferentially offset about the sidewall. In another embodiment, a medical device includes a member defining a lumen extending through the member. Locations of an outer surface of the member are defined by a distance d from a proximal end of the member and an angle θ from a first point of a cross-section of the member. A sidewall of the member includes slots extending through the sidewall along planes extending from a line extending through a center of the lumen. Successive slots have their respective distances d successively farther from the proximal end of the member and their respective angles θ successively increasing. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095548 | MEDICAL IMPLANT INCLUDING A MAGNESIUM-BASED TIE LAYER - A medical implant includes a metallic base, a tie layer, and at least a first layer overlying an outer surface of the tie layer. The tie layer is bonded to at least a portion of a surface of the metallic base. The tie layer includes magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy. The tie layer can have an outer surface comprising dendritic grains. The tie layer can have a rough outer surface defined by pores, projecting grain structures, and/or projecting particles. A method of producing a tie layer on a medical device includes applying magnesium or a magnesium-based alloy to the medical device and cooling the magnesium or the magnesium-based alloy to produce a rough outer surface. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095501 | Coil Anchor Systems and Methods of Use - Vessel occlusion method including the steps of positioning a coil anchor in a large diameter blood vessel, wherein the coil anchor includes a radially expandable sidewall, a proximal opening dimensioned to receive an embolic coil, a distal opening, and the coil anchor further comprising at least one coil retaining element configured to retain an embolic coil within the blood vessel. The vessel occlusion method further including the steps of expanding the coil anchor within the blood vessel; and delivering at least one embolic coil into the blood vessel, wherein the retaining element prevents the at least one embolic coil from migrating downstream of the coil anchor. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095405 | METHOD FOR IMPLANTING A PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY/JEJUNOSTOMY TUBE IN A PATIENT AND ACCESS NEEDLE FOR USE IN SAID METHOD - Method for implanting a percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube in a patient and access needle for use in the method. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (a) providing an access needle wherein the distal end of the stylet extends distally for an appreciable distance beyond the distal end of the cannula; (b) inserting the stylet, but not the cannula, into the jejunum; (c) grabbing the stylet with an endoscopically-positioned snare; (d) anchoring the jejunum against the abdominal wall using the snared stylet; (e) loosening the snare slightly while advancing the cannula into the jejunum and into the loosened snare; (f) tightening the snare around the cannula; (g) removing the stylet from the cannula; (h) inserting a guide wire or suture through the cannula into the jejunum; and (i) proceeding in the conventional fashion to implant a PEJ tube into the patient using the guide wire or suture. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095396 | Drug Eluting Medical Device Utilizing Bioadhesives - A medical balloon having an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a first coating composition comprising at least one therapeutic agent, the first coating composition disposed on the balloon outer surface and forming an interface between the balloon outer surface and the first coating composition and a second coating composition comprising a bioadhesive, the second coating composition disposed on the first coating composition so as to not affect the interface between the balloon outer surface and the first coating composition, the bioadhesive selected so as to adhere to body tissue, and methods of making the same. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095285 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE PELVIC SURGERY - The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120089174 | VASO-OCCLUSIVE DEVICE - A vaso-occlusive device includes an inner coil made from inner coil wire having a first diameter and formed from a first material, and an outer coil disposed at least partially around the inner coil and made from outer coil wire having a second diameter and formed from a second material. The inner coil has a first pitch and the outer coil has a second pitch. The first diameter, material, and pitch are different from the second diameter, material, and pitch, respectively. The outer coil defines a lumen and the inner coil is disposed at least partially in the lumen. The vaso-occlusive device also includes an intermediate layer disposed between the inner coil and the outer coil, where the intermediate layer includes a biocompatible metal or a biocompatible, swellable polymer. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089171 | BIODEGRADABLE ADHESIVE FILM FOR VASCULAR CLOSURE - Devices and methods for sealing an opening in a blood vessel are disclosed. A device can include: an elongate, tubular non-stick outer sheath, the non-stick outer sheath having a distal end that is insertable into a vessel of a patient through the opening in the vessel wall, and having a proximal end remaining outside the patient; an elongate, tubular non-stick inner sheath disposed within the non-stick outer sheath; and an elongate, tubular adhesive film disposed between the non-stick outer sheath and the non-stick inner sheath, the adhesive film having both inward-facing and outward-facing adhesive surfaces and being supportable by the non-stick inner sheath during insertion into the vessel of the patient. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085734 | Extendible Stent Apparatus - An expandable stent includes a tubular structure with an outer surface positionable adjacent to a vessel wall and an inner surface facing a lumen of a body passageway. The tubular structure further includes a plurality of expansion struts, connector struts and cells. The tubular structure has a first diameter which permits intraluminal delivery of the tubular structure into the body passageway, and a second expanded and deformed diameter which is achieved upon the application of a radially, outwardly extending force. A plurality of cavities are formed in the outer surface of the stent. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120083899 | URETERAL STENT - A ureteral stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and the elongated portion defines a lumen extending therethrough. A retention portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and retains the position of the ureteral stent when placed substantially within the kidney. The retention portion includes an interior space that is in communication with the lumen within the elongated portion and has at least one opening for urine drainage. A flared portion extending from the other end of the elongated portion is positioned within the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintains the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120083523 | MEDICAL DEVICES HAVING POLYMERIC REGIONS WITH COPOLYMERS CONTAINING HYDROCARBON AND HETEROATOM-CONTAINING MONOMERIC SPECIES - According to an aspect of the present invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided, which contain one or more polymeric regions. These polymeric regions, in turn, contain one or more polymers, at least one of which is a copolymer that includes the following: (a) one or more unsaturated hydrocarbon monomer species and (b) one or more heteroatom-containing monomer species. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120078227 | Drug Coated Balloon Composition with High Drug Transfer to Vessel - Drug delivery balloons are configured with a carrier film of biodegradable polymer. The carrier film includes a drug or has a drug carried thereon. The balloons utilize a film layering system that is designed to separate the carrier film substantially intact from the balloon when expanded, so that the carrier film and the drug are left in place at the tissue site. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078135 | Medical Instrument - A medical instrument includes a housing, a stylet having a portion in the housing, a cannula coaxially receiving the stylet and having a portion in the housing, and a member slidably coupled to the housing. The stylet and the cannula are movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The member is configured with first and second bars to move the stylet and the cannula from their extended positions to their retracted positions. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120071966 | DRUG-RELEASING STENT WITH CERAMIC-CONTAINING LAYER - A vascular or endoluminal stent is adapted to be implanted in a vessel, duct or tract of a human body to maintain an open lumen. The stent includes a base layer of a biologically compatible metal. An intermediate metal particle layer of substantial greater radiopacity overlies the base layer, with particles bonded to the base layer and to each other to leave interstices therebetween as a repository for retaining and dispensing drugs or other agents for time release therefrom. The particles are composed primarily of a noble metal—. Exposed surfaces of the particle layer are coated with ceramic-like iridium oxide or titanium nitrate, as a biocompatible material to inhibit irritation of tissue at the inner lining of the vessel when the stent is implanted. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071910 | TORQUE MECHANISM ACTUATED BIOABSORBABLE VASCULAR CLOSURE DEVICE - Embodiments of the present disclosure include medical devices and methods including a medical device including: an elongate core element, and a generally tubular torsion element surrounding the core element and capable of transmitting torque along its length. The torsion element has a spiral incision that has a proximal end and a distal end. The spiral incision forms a helically coiled strip between the proximal and distal ends of the spiral incision. The helically coiled strip varies in width from the proximal end of the spiral incision to the distal end of the spiral incision and has a narrowest portion. The helically coiled strip bows radially outward at the narrowest portion when the helically coiled strip in the torsion element is unwound. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071823 | MEDICAL BALLOON HAVING IMPROVED STABILITY AND STRENGTH - A medical device, the medical device formed at least in part from a melt blend of at least one polymer comprising hydrolysable groups and a carbodiimide. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120071720 | FORCE FEEDBACK CONTROL SYSTEM FOR VIDEO ENDOSCOPE - A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120065726 | BIOERODIBLE ENDOPROSTHESES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A bioerodible endoprosthesis erodes by galvanic erosion that can provide, e.g., improved endothelialization and therapeutic effects. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065724 | Intravascular Stent - A stent in a non-expanded state has a first and second expansion column, each consisting of a plurality of expansion strut pairs. An expansion strut pair includes a first expansion strut, a second expansion strut and a joining strut that couples the first and second expansion struts at one end. Expansion strut pairs include expansion strut pair first and second corners formed where the joining strut couples the first and second expansion struts. A connecting strut column, formed of a plurality of connecting struts couples the first and second expansion columns. Connecting struts include a proximal section, a distal section and an intermediate section. The proximal section is coupled to the corner of an expansion strut pair of the first expansion column, and the distal section is coupled to the joining strut of an expansion strut pair of the second expansion column intermediate the expansion strut pair first corner and the expansion strut pair second corner. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065669 | PINCH VASCULAR CLOSURE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A device for pinching an opening in a vessel wall, comprising an introducer sheath, a lumen having a distal opening and a bleed hole; an anchoring having a cylindrical shape in a first constrained state and a flared shape in a second unconstrained state; a pincher member slidably disposed between the anchoring member and the introducer sheath comprising at its distal end a plurality of elongate pincher arms, each of the plurality of elongate pincher arms having a free distal end such that when the pincher member distal end is unconstrained, the free distal ends of the elongate pincher arms are biased to expand radially; and an interior support member slidably disposed in the anchoring member comprising a plurality of elongate support legs, each having a free distal end such that when the distal end of the interior support member is unconstrained, the free distal ends curve outwardly. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120065461 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING SUTURES AND IMPLANTS - A medical device for the delivery of sutures and implants through tissue of a patient's body. The medical device includes a handle, an elongated shaft member, a needle carrier, and a slideable mechanism. A method of delivering a suture or an implant includes inserting and deploying a medical device including a handle, an elongated shaft member, a needle carrier, and a slideable mechanism into tissue of a patient's body. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120059446 | COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE TUBULAR ELECTRODE LEADS - A medical lead and method of treating a patient are provided. The medical lead comprises an electrically insulative tubular membrane, a resilient spring element associated with the insulative membrane, and at least one electrode associated with the insulative membrane. The medical lead is configured to be collapsed into a compact form for percutaneous delivery into the patient, thereby obviating the need to perform an invasive surgical procedure on the patient. The body formed by these elements, when expanded, can be sized to fit within the epidural space of a patient. The patient can be treated by placing the medical lead into a collapsed state by applying a compressive force to the medical lead, percutaneously delivering the collapsed medical lead into the patient adjacent tissue to be treated, and placing the medical lead into an expanded state by releasing the compressive force. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059336 | Catheter with Skived Tubular Member - An elongate shaft of a medical catheter including a thermoset polymeric tubular member including a skived distal portion. The skived distal portion includes a distally extending trough having a convex surface and a concave surface. A thermoplastic tubular sleeve may be positioned over at least a portion of the skived distal portion of the thermoset polymeric tubular member. In some instances, the thermoplastic tubular sleeve includes a crescent-shaped tubular portion defining a crescent-shaped lumen. The trough of the skived distal portion may extend through the crescent-shaped lumen. The thermoplastic tubular sleeve is thermally bonded to the inner and outer tubular members of a distal section of the elongate shaft at a guidewire port joint. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059316 | Coating Process for Drug Delivery Balloons Using Heat-Induced Rewrap Memory - A method of producing a drug coated balloon that comprises the steps of: subjecting a balloon catheter with a folded and wrapped balloon thereon to a pre-annealing step to induce a fold/wrap memory in the resulting pre-annealed balloon; unfolding the pre-annealed balloon sufficiently to expose the full circumferential surface of the balloon by application of an inflation pressure that retains said fold/wrap memory; applying a drug coating formulation to the unfolded balloon surface; releasing pressure to relax the balloon and induce creasing along fold memory; and evacuating the balloon slowly to induce refolding and rewrapping of the balloon. The method overcomes the need to use a folding apparatus to fold and wrap a drug coated balloon. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059241 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING A STEERABLE IMAGING SYSTEM CONFIGURED AND ARRANGED FOR INSERTION INTO A PATIENT - A medical imaging assembly includes a sheath with a lumen. An imaging core is disposed at one end of an imaging core shaft disposed in the lumen. The imaging core shaft bends along a shape memory region when the imaging core is extended from the lumen. The imaging core includes a transducer to image patient tissue, a mirror to redirect acoustic signals between the transducer and patient tissue, and a magnet to drive rotation of the mirror. The magnet is rotatable by a magnetic field generated at the location of the magnet. An imaging core shaft rotator rotates the imaging core shaft such that, when the imaging core is extended from the lumen, rotation of the imaging core shaft causes radial rotation of the imaging core about the sheath. The imaging core shaft rotator includes rotatable imaging core shaft magnets fixedly disposed over a portion of the imaging core shaft. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120059217 | PELVIC IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF IMPLANTING THE SAME - In one embodiment, an implant is configured to be placed within a body of a patient. The implant includes a support member. The support member is configured to be placed adjacent a vaginal apex of a patient. The support member has a length sufficient to extend the length of the vaginal apex but not of a length sufficient to extend from the vaginal apex to a location between a vagina of the patient and a rectum of the patient. The implant also includes first and second arm members coupled to the support member. The arm members are configured to be coupled to bodily tissue of the patient to help secure the implant within the body of the patient. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120046734 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and related methods are disclosed. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046672 | ENDOSCOPIC SUTURE SYSTEMS - A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046610 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR REDUCING BUBBLE FORMATIONS IN FLUID DELIVERY DEVICES - Methods and devices for filtering a fluid flowing through a medical device are disclosed. In one example, a medical device may include a catheter shaft including a proximal region having a coupling for coupling to a fluid source and a distal region including one or more irrigation apertures for expelling a fluid from the catheter. A fluid path can be defined by the catheter shaft between the coupling and the one or more irrigation apertures. A porous member can be positioned at a location in the fluid path such that the fluid being expelled from the catheter via the one or more irrigation apertures may flow through the porous member to filter, reduce, and/or break-up bubble formations in the fluid. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120046608 | Medical Devices - The invention relates to medical balloons, and methods of modifying said balloons by forming a void pattern in their exterior surfaces and filling the voids with a material, such as a fiber or a nanomaterial (e.g., nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes) and a matrix material, e.g., a polymer. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120041534 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED CAMERA - Various methods and devices are described for imaging a body lumen during delivery and deployment of a medical device. In one example, a delivery device includes at least one sheath, a prosthesis, an inner tubular member and at least two cameras to allow visualization of the prosthesis prior, during and after deployment without the use of an endoscope. The at least one sheath and/or the inner tubular member includes at least two cameras engaged to the delivery device. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041533 | STENT DELIVERY DEVICE - Various methods and devices are described for imaging a body lumen during delivery and deployment of a medical device. In one example, a delivery device includes at least one sheath, a stent, an inner tubular member and at least one imaging device to allow visualization of the stent prior, during and after deployment without the use of an endoscope. The inner tubular member includes an articulating portion with the imaging device integrally formed and embedded therein. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041467 | METHOD TO MAKE TUBE-IN-TUBE BALLOON - A tube-in-tube assembled parison for preparation of an elongated medical device. The parison if formed by assembling in tube-in-tube fashion a first tube of orientable polymer material and a second tube formed of orientable polymer material disposed around the first tube, with an adhesive tie layer disposed between the first and second tubes. The tubes are brought into contact to form a unitary parison. The adhesive may allow movement between the polymer layers during balloon blowing. The first tube, or the second tube, or both, may have been longitudinally pre-stretched after formation thereof but before assembly of the parison. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041456 | SUTURE SYSTEM - Sutures can be placed in difficult to access areas of the human body with devices, and related methods, utilizing a needle carrier. The devices and methods can be used in conjunction with both endosurgical and traditional open surgery procedures. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041336 | Medical Instrument - A method includes actuating a lever to move a cannula of a medical instrument from a first extended position to second retracted position; and actuating the lever to move a stylet of the medical instrument from a third extended position to a fourth retracted position. Actuating the lever comprises moving the lever from a first lever position spaced apart from a housing of the medical instrument to a second lever position closer to the housing | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037525 | MEDICAL DEVICE PACKAGING AND METHODS FOR PREPARING AND PACKAGING MEDICAL DEVICES - Medical device packaging, medical device packaging assemblies, and methods for preparing and packaging medical devices. An example medical device packaging assembly may include a pouch having a pocket formed therein. A carrier tube may be disposed in the pocket. The carrier tube may have a plurality of apertures formed therein. A medical device may be disposed within the carrier tube. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120035715 | Tracheal Stent With Longitudinal Ribs to Minimize Stent Movement, Coughing and Halitosis - A tracheal stent is an expandable tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, an inner surface, and an outer surface. Circumferentially adjacent surface protrusions extend outwardly from the outer surface of the expandable tubular member. These surface protrusions have an outer surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface. When the tracheal stent is deployed, the outer surface of the surface protrusion applies a radial force to a wall of the trachea to remove an airway constriction. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035700 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medial device, a drainage catheter or stent, and a retention mechanism for selectively retaining the drainage stent on the elongate shaft. The tubular stent is positioned on and surrounding the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft includes a distal tip portion which is deflectable from a first position to a second position, the distal tip portion of the elongate shaft being biased toward the first position. Deflecting the distal tip portion of the elongate shaft from the first position to the second position moves the distal tip portion toward the central longitudinal axis of the tubular stent to allow the stent to be decoupled from the elongate shaft. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035653 | MODIFIED PLUG FOR ARTERIOTOMY CLOSURE - The disclosure provides a modified arteriotomy closure plug, the modification consisting of subjecting a bioabsorbable foam closure plug to radial compression and/or axial bending until at least some struts of the foam have been torn or elongated within at least one axially disposed region. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035635 | VESSEL OCCLUDING MATERIAL EXTRACTOR - Methods, devices, and systems for extracting vessel occluding material are provided. An embodiment of a vessel occluding material extractor includes a host structure, a plurality of expandable members, a slide mechanism, and a circumferential member. The host structure has an elongate axis. The expandable members are connected to the host structure arrayed radially around the elongate axis. The slide mechanism is connected to the expandable members and adjacent the host structure, and is slidable in the direction of the elongate axis. The circumferential member is connected to the expandable members between the connection of the slide mechanism and the host structure to the expandable members. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035627 | ADJUSTABLE IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF IMPLANTING THE SAME - In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient, a tether coupled to an end portion of the support member; and an anchor configured to be disposed within a tissue of the body of the patient to help retain the implant in place within the body of the patient. The tether is coupled to the anchor such that the tether may move with respect to the anchor in a first direction but is retrained from moving in a second direction. In one embodiment, a method of placing an implant within a body of a patient includes making an incision in the body of the patient, inserting the implant into the body of the patient through the incision, placing the implant within the body of the patient such that a support member provides support to a portion of the body and an anchor helps retain the implant in place within the body of the patient, closing the incision, and adjusting the tension of the implant after closing the incision. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035626 | PLACING SUTURES - A suturing instrument is configured for to apply sutures to approximate, ligate, or fixate tissue in, for example, open, mini-incision, trans-vaginal, or endoscopic surgical procedures. The suturing instrument includes an elongate body member, a needle exit port, a needle receiving port, and a needle deployment mechanism. The suturing instrument eliminates the need for a preassembled needle and suture and reduces or eliminates the possibility of needle loss during suturing. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035592 | MEDICAL DEVICES INCLUDING SHAPE MEMORY MATERIALS - Medical devices, such as catheters, including shape memory materials, are provided, as well as related methods of making and using such medical devices. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035591 | THERMOPLASTIC MEDICAL DEVICE - An medical device such as a guidewire or a catheter having a flexible elongate component which comprises a thermoplastic rigid rod polymer, which component may comprise a bundle of threads, a sleeve, a coil, a co-extrusion, a strut, or other suitable component. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120029618 | Stent Connector Bump Design - An endoprosthesis comprises a plurality of serpentine bands. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of interconnected struts forming peaks and troughs. Adjacent serpentine bands are interconnected by one or more connectors. First and second serpentine bands are connected via at least one connector. The connector has a first side facing one the struts and a second side facing another of the struts. The connector extends from an inside of a trough of the first serpentine bands to the outside of a trough of the other of the serpentine bands. The connector has a first bump extending from the first side and a second bump extending from the second side opposite the first, the first bump located adjacent a first peak and the second bump located adjacent a second peak. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029614 | Stent-Graft with Bioabsorbable Structural Support - The invention relates to a stent-graft with a bioabsorbable structure and a permanent graft for luminal support and ‘treatment of arterial fistulas, occlusive disease, and aneurysms. The bioabsorbable structure is formed from braided filaments of materials such as PLA, PLLA, PDLA, and PGA and the graft is formed from materials such as PET, ePTFE, PCU or PU. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029613 | Bioerodible Endoprosthesis - An endoprosthesis includes a composite. The composite includes a matrix comprising a bioerodible iron or a bioerodible iron alloy and particles within the matrix. The particles include palladium, manganese oxide, a transition metal oxide, or a combination thereof. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029609 | Endoprosthesis Holder - An endoprosthesis holder includes a proximal connector structure having an outer surface. A distal connector structure has an outer surface. An intermediate connector structure is connected to the proximal and distal connector structures such that the intermediate connector structure is between the proximal and distal connector structures. The intermediate connector structure includes one or more intermediate transverse structures and one or more axial structures. The one or more intermediate transverse structures are connected to one another and to the proximal and distal connector structures by the one or more axial structures. The intermediate connector structure has an outer surface. An outward protrusion is connected to one or more of the outer surfaces of the proximal connector structure or distal connector structure or intermediate connector structure. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029488 | ADJUSTABLE DEVICE FOR DELIVERING IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF DELIVERING IMPLANTS - A medical device includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The elongate member is configured to be associated with a bodily implant. The distal end portion of the elongate member is configured to move from a first position to a second position such that distal end potion of the elongate member may be inserted into the body of the patient in its second position and is moved to its first position while disposed within the body of the patient. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029275 | BODILY IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF ADJUSTING THE SAME - A medical device includes a support member, a tether, and a retainer. The support member is configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient. The tether forms a loop and is coupled to the support member. The tether is configured to extend from the body of the patient when the support member is placed within the body of the patient. The retainer is configured to be coupled to the tether at a first location on the tether and at a second location on the tether different than the first location. The retainer is configured to be disposed outside of the body of the patient when the support member is placed within the body of the patient. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029274 | IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF IMPLANTING THE SAME - In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member and a suture. The support member is configured to provide support to a portion of a body of a patient. The support member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the support member is configured to be disposed within a body of a patient. The suture is removably coupled to the first end portion of the support member and is configured to extend through an incision in the body of the patient from a location within the body of the patient to a location outside of the body of the patient. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029273 | IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING IN-VIVO ULTRASOUND IMAGES OF THE SAME - An implant includes a substrate and a carrier coupled to the substrate. The carrier including a plurality of objects configured to reflect energy emitted by an ultrasound device. In some embodiments, the carrier includes a plurality of air bubbles that are configured to reflect energy emitted by an ultrasound device. In one embodiment, a method of forming a bodily implant includes forming a substrate, disposing a plurality of air bubbles within a carrier, and applying the carrier to the substrate. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120022585 | VASCULAR CLOSURE DEVICE WITH BIODEGRADABLE ANCHOR - This disclosure pertains to controllably bioabsorbable devices, particularly anchors for vascular closure plugs and to methods of use thereof. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022562 | DEVICE TO DETECT INTERNAL BLEEDING - A vascular closure device, comprising an anchor member; a compressible plug; a locking mechanism; and a sensor probe, the sensor probe including a first electrically conductive member having a proximal end and a distal end and a second electrically conductive member having a proximal end and a distal end, the first electrically conductive member being electrically insulated from the second electrically conductive member from the proximal end to the distal end. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022513 | CRYOTREATMENT DEVICES AND METHODS OF FORMING CONDUCTION BLOCKS - Cryotreatment devices and methods of ablating tissue within the body are disclosed. A cryotreatment device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an elongated member having one or more needle-like ablation tips configured to induce necrosis at a target site within the heart. A cooling fluid such as a cryogen may be injected through a lumen extending into the distal portion of the device. The ablation tips can be configured to pierce and ablate surrounding tissue, blocking electrical stimuli that can cause fibrillations or other arrhythmias of the heart. The device may also include means for controlling the transmural depth at which the ablation tips are inserted into the cardiac tissue. Methods of forming a contiguous line of conduction block in accordance with the present invention are also disclosed. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120018090 | HIGH PRESSURE BALLOON - Composite fiber reinforced balloons for medical devices are prepared by applying a web of fibers to the exterior of a preformed underlayer balloon, encasing the web with a matrix material to form an assembly, and inserting the assembly into a preformed outer layer balloon to form the composite balloon. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120016490 | URETERAL STENTS FOR RELEASE OF UROLOGICALLY BENEFICIAL AGENTS - According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016462 | Stent - A stent comprises a plurality of circumferential bands. Circumferential bands which are adjacent one another are connected one to the other. The circumferential bands include peaks and troughs interconnected by bent struts. The bands may overlap or may be connected by connectors. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016405 | Medical Device Balloons Containing Thermoplastic Elastomers - A dilatation balloon, the dilatation balloon having a multilayer structure wherein the multilayer structure comprises a thermoplastic elastomer coextruded with a non-compliant structural polymer, the thermoplastic elastomer as an outer layer and the non-compliant structural material is an inner layer. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016403 | CUTTING BALLOON CATHETER HAVING FLEXIBLE ATHEROTOMES - A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may configured to be more flexible. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016392 | METHOD FOR TREATING MORBID OBESITY - A method for treating morbid obesity in a body of a mammal having a gastrointestinal tract extending through a stomach and a pyloric sphincter and a wall forming the stomach and pyloric sphincter. At least one implant is formed in the wall in the vicinity of the pyloric sphincter to inhibit emptying of the stomach. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016370 | MEDICAL IMPLANT - A medical assembly includes an implant and an envelope at least partially enclosing a portion of the implant. The envelope may include a tongue to protect the implant, a scaffold to provide integrity to the envelope, a tab access to ease envelope withdrawal, and/or one or more discontinuities to ease envelope withdrawal. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016357 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FOCUSED BIPOLAR TISSUE ABLATION - Large tissue regions are treated using pairs of electrode arrays. The electrode arrays may be concave and disposed in tissue so that their concave portions are opposed to each other. Axial conductors may be provided extending from the arrays and toward each other in order to increase the heating of tissues lying along the axis between the deployed electrode arrays. By properly spacing the electrode arrays apart and selecting the diameters of the arrays, desired volumes of tissue may be treated, typically with a bipolar, radiofrequency current. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016355 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING COOLANT FLOW THROUGH A CATHETER AND AN EXPANSION ELEMENT OF A CRYOABLATION SYSTEM - A cryoablation system includes a catheter for insertion into patient vasculature. The catheter includes a coolant transfer tube configured to receive and transfer coolant from a coolant source to an expansion element coupled to a distal portion of the catheter. The expansion element is in fluid communication with the coolant transfer tube and at least one coolant outtake region within the catheter. The coolant outtake region is configured and arranged to receive and transfer coolant from the expansion element to a reduced pressure region. A coolant-flow regulation system is at least partially disposed in the catheter. The coolant-flow regulation system is configured and arranged for regulating a rate of coolant flow within the cryoablation system by providing an adjustable pressure differential along the at least one coolant outtake region. A control module is coupled to the catheter. The control module includes a processor for controlling the coolant-flow regulation system. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016183 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERYING A MEDICAL IMPLANT TO AN ANATOMICAL LOCATION IN A PATIENT - A surgical device for use in a minimally invasive procedure to treat urinary incontinence can include a dilator coupled to a curved needle at one end and a sling at the opposite end. Urinary incontinence can be treated minimally invasively. One treatment includes positioning the sling on an anterior portion of the urethra to provide proper coaptation to the urethra. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120013043 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND PROCESSES FOR PREPARING SAME - Medical balloons comprising a predetermined pattern of conductive materials and methods of making the same. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120010721 | PARTIALLY SOLUBLE IMPLANTABLE OR INSERTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES - An elongate medical device configured for at least partial implantation or insertion into a subject. The medical device has at least one surface that contains one or more depressions, which are at least partially filled with a soluble material. Also described methods of making such devices. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010632 | METHODS FOR ACCURATELY DEPLOYING PARTICULAR MEDICAL APPLIANCES AT A TARGET SITE - The present invention regards an apparatus for selectively and accurately deploying one or more sequentially positioned medical appliances from a portable medical device. The apparatus includes a body having a channel, a string passing through the channel, and a mechanism for moving the string predetermined distances to deploy medical appliances. The medical appliances may be, but are not limited to, ligation bands. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010595 | IMMOBILIZING OBJECTS IN THE BODY - Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010589 | LOCAL DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENT TO HEART VALVES - The present invention relates to implantable medical devices and methods that employ these medical devices to treat heart valves. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided comprising a body. The body may have a portion thereof including therapeutic agent and can be configured to support the device proximate a heart valve. Methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may also include providing a medical device having a body with at least a portion thereof including a therapeutic agent. These methods may also include positioning the medical device in a location proximate to a downstream surface of the heart valve and securing the device. The therapeutic agent released may then be delivered to the heart valve. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010571 | CATHETER ASSEMBY AND METHOD FOR INTERNALLY ANCHORING A CATHETER IN A PATIENT - A catheter assembly and method for internally anchoring a catheter in a patient. According to one embodiment, the catheter assembly includes a catheter, a tubular fitting coupled to one end of the catheter, and an internal bolster coaxially mounted around the tubular fitting. The tubular fitting has a waist portion, and the internal bolster is secured thereto by a snap-fit. To internally anchor the catheter in a patient, one inserts the end of the catheter to which the fitting is coupled into the patient and then, while the fitting and its coupled end of the catheter are within the patient, inserts the internal bolster over the fitting until it snap-fits into place over the waist portion, thereby internally anchoring the catheter within the patient. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010570 | METHOD FOR PERCUTANEOUSLY IMPLANTING A MEDICAL CATHETER AND MEDICAL CATHETER IMPLANTING ASSEMBLY - A method for percutaneously implanting a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube, and a medical catheter implanting assembly. In one embodiment, the implanting assembly includes a gastrostomy feeding tube, an inner sheath and an outer sheath. The feeding tube has an internal bolster integrally formed at its distal end. The inner sheath includes a bore extending distally from its proximal end to a point prior to its distal end and a transverse window communicating with the bore. The outer sheath includes a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal bore. The outer sheath is inserted over the inner sheath, and the feeding tube is inserted into the inner sheath, with the internal bolster being folded and tucked into the window and retained therein by the outer sheath. Movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner sheath to expose the window allows the bolster to decompress. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010566 | Catheter Including a Compliant Balloon - A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010466 | TRANSDUCER/SENSOR ASSEMBLY - An imaging transducer assembly is combined with a sensor of a medical positioning system, forming a transducer/sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a coil proximally coupled with the imaging transducer. A cable having first and second wires are proximally coupled to the coil. A non-conductive potting layer is wrapped around the coil. Traces are formed in the non-conductive potting layer that are used to electrically couple the imaging transducer with the first and second wires of the cable. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010462 | SNAP FIT SLING ANCHOR SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to employing soft tissue anchors in combination with an implantable sling to treat urinary incontinence. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010456 | ADJUSTABLE SURGICAL SLING - The invention, in one embodiment, is directed to systems and methods for adjusting support to an anatomical location using an expandable chamber. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120004719 | Stent Configurations - A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands, wherein adjacent serpentine bands are connected by at least one connector strut. A serpentine band may comprise alternating straight struts and s-shaped struts. Connector struts may comprise first connector struts and second connector struts, wherein the first connector struts are nonparallel to the second connector struts. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004718 | Platinum Enhanced Alloy and Intravascular or Implantable Medical Devices Manufactured Therefrom - A platinum enhanced radiopaque alloy particularly suitable for manufacture of implantable and/or intravascular medical devices. A stent is one preferred medical device which is a generally tubular structure that is expandable upon implantation in a vessel lumen to maintain flow therethrough. The stent is formed from the alloy which has improved radiopacity relative to present utilized stainless steel alloys. This alloy preferably contains from about 2 wt. % to about 50 wt. % platinum; from about 11 wt. % to about 18 wt. % chromium; about 5 wt. % to about 12 wt. % nickel and at least about 15 wt. % iron. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004500 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR SUB-URETHRAL SUPPORT - Disclosed are single-incision surgical procedures for treatment of urinary incontinence and/or pelvic floor disorders and related uses, devices, kits, and methods. Implants are also disclosed for use in the exemplary procedures. In certain embodiments, soft tissue anchors are used to anchor the surgical implants to obturator membranes of a patient. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110320008 | STENTS WITH BLADDER RETENTION MEMBERS - A medical device including an elongate member having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a medial portion disposed between the distal end portion an the proximal end portion. The proximal end portion is configured to be disposed within a bladder of a patient. A portion of the proximal end portion is configured to contact an inner wall of the bladder to help retain the bladder in an expanded configuration. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319981 | Venous Valve, System, and Method - A venous valve with a frame and a cover on the frame for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319928 | Sacrificial Anode Stent System - A sacrificial anode stent system comprises a stent having at least one sacrificial anode portion and a vaso-occlusive device. The vaso-occlusive device has at least one portion with a potential different from that of the sacrificial anode portion of the stent. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319904 | DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING STENT RETENTION STRUCTURE - A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medial device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an interference fit member for selectively coupling the drainage stent to the elongate shaft. The drainage stent is selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft by an interference fit between the interference fit member and the drainage stent such that axial movement of the elongate shaft relative to the drainage stent moves the interference fit member from a first position in which the interference fit member is engaged with the drainage stent and forms an interference fit with the drainage stent to a second position in which the interference fit member is disengaged from the drainage stent. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319809 | CATHETER DEVICE FOR DELIVERY ENERGY TO A VEIN - The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods associated with a catheter device for delivering energy to a vein. One or more catheter devices include a cooling device, an infusion device, and an energy delivery device for delivering energy to a vein to treat incompetent valves. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110319704 | IMPLANTS AND METHODS OF SECURING THE SAME - In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member defining an opening and a strap being configured to extend through the opening defined by the support member. The strap includes a first retention member and a second retention member. The first retention member is configured to engage the support member to couple the strap to the support member. The second retention member being configured to engage bodily tissue of a patient to couple the strap to the bodily tissue. In another embodiment, an implant includes a support member defining an opening and a strap defining an opening. The strap is configured to be coupled to the support member and to bodily tissue of a patient. The strap is configured to extend through the opening defined by the support member and the opening defined by the strap. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110313404 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM HAVING RETENTION STRUCTURE - A stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a stent selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft by inserting a tab on one of the stent or the elongate shaft into an opening in the other of the stent or the elongate shaft. The tab may be deflected from a first position to a second position to disengage the tab from the opening. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110307070 | STENT FOR REPAIR OF ANASTOMASIS SURGERY LEAKS - A stent for repairing post-anastomasis (e.g., bariatric) surgery leaks is formed by an elongated tube having a proximal flare-shaped flange, an enlarged middle section, and a distal flare-shaped flange, where an exterior surface of the elongated tube is substantially covered with a polymer. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110307051 | Bioerodible Endoprostheses Including Electrochemical Cell - A bioerodible endoprosthesis includes a bioerodible body and a bioerodible electrochemical cell. The bioerodible body includes a bioerodible metal. The bioerodible electrochemical cell includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte between the cathode and the anode. The cathode is adapted to be in electrical contact with at least a first portion of the bioerodible body when the electrochemical cell is activated to accelerate the bioerosion of the first portion of the bioerodible body when the endoprosthesis is implanted within a physiological environment. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110306988 | DUAL OFFSET ARC NEEDLE FOR ANCHOR PLACEMENT OF A MALE INCONTINENCE SLING - In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a handle and an elongate member coupled to the handle. The elongate member has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion of the elongate member extends from the handle and defines a first longitudinal axis. The second portion of the elongate member extends from the first portion and defines a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define a first angle and a first plane. The third portion of the elongate member extends from the second portion of the elongate member and defines a third longitudinal axis. The third longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define a second angle and a second plane. The second plane is non-parallel with the first plane. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110301705 | Cardiac Valve, System, and Method - A cardiac valve with a support frame having a first end member and a second end member opposing the first end member in a substantially fixed distance relationship, and a cover extending over the support frame to allow for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301635 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION FILTERING DEVICE THAT ACAN BE ADAPTED TO BE ADANCED OVER A GUIDEWIRE - An improved embolic protection filtering device. In at least some embodiments, an embolic protection filtering device includes a filter wire assembly. The filter wire assembly may include an elongate shaft, a tubular member, and an embolic protection filter. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301595 | OCCLUSION APPARATUS - Methods, apparatus, and systems for occluding a left atrial appendage are provided. One embodiment includes an elongate body having a tissue apposition member extendably positioned within a lumen of the elongate body to appose tissue of the LAA. An energy emitting device coupled to the elongate body can be used for emitting high intensity focused ultrasound to the tissues to fuse the tissues. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301574 | ADJUSTABLE STIFFNESS CATHETER - Medical devices such as catheters can include structure or provision that permit a physician or other health care professional to adjust the stiffness of at least a portion of the medical device. In some instances, the medical device may be adjusted prior to inserting the medical device into a patient. In some cases, the medical device may be adjusted while in use within the patient. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301565 | MEDICAL BALLOONS HAVING A SHEATH DESIGNED TO FACILITATE RELEASE OF THERAPEUTIC AGENT - Medical devices that comprise an elongate balloon and a sheath positioned around the balloon. The sheath is designed to facilitate the delivery of therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the sheath has a non-circular shape (e.g., a square shape or polygonal shape). In some cases, the sheath has reservoirs at the corners with a therapeutic agent contained in the reservoirs. In another embodiment, the sheath has an area that undergoes shear strain when the balloon is expanded. The shear strain in the sheath facilitates the release of therapeutic agent. In another embodiment, the sheath has a chamber for containing a therapeutic agent. When the balloon expands, the chamber becomes compressed and causes the therapeutic agent to flow out of the chamber. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301410 | MEDICAL SLINGS - A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110301409 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SLING DELIVERY AND PLACEMENT - Devices and methods for delivering and placing a surgical sling without resorting to an abdominal incision are disclosed. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110295359 | Stent With Reduced Weld Profiles and a Closed-End Wire Configuration - A method for making an implantable stent includes the steps of (i) providing a plurality of elongate stent wires; (ii) forming said wires into a hollow tubular structure having opposed first and second open ends; (iii) terminating said wires at the second end; (iv) aligning the wires at the second end into a plurality of mated adjacent wires to define a plurality of abutting regions; (v) welding the mated adjacent wires to one and the other at the abutting regions to define a plurality of welds; and optionally (vi) chemically or electro-chemically removing a portion of the welds. The method may further include the steps of (a) extending at least one of the mated stent wires to provide an extended stent wire; (b) looping the extended stent wire so the extended end abuts a proximal pair of stent wires; and (c) welding the extended and looped wire to the proximal pair of wires. The step of looping may include the forming of the wire into a equilaterally arched loop having an apex, but not having other sharp bends. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295307 | EXPANDABLE RETRIEVAL DEVICE - A device for retrieving an intravascular device from a body lumen is disclosed. A retrieval device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a braided member coupled to an elongated shaft member. The braided member may include a number of filaments defining a radially expandable inner lumen configured to receive and encapsulate the intravascular device therein. An elastomeric jacket disposed about at least a portion of the braided member may encase the filaments. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110295265 | Delivery System Having Stent Retention Structure - A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a drainage catheter or stent, and an engagement member, such as a distensible member or a compressible member, for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft. The engagement member is positioned between the inner surface of the stent and the outer surface of the elongate shaft and is elongatable from a first length to a second length by longitudinal movement generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the stent to release the stent. At the first length, the engagement member is engaged with the inner surface of the stent to secure the stent on the elongate shaft, and at the second length the engagement member is sufficiently disengaged from the inner surface of the stent to release the stent from the elongate shaft such that the elongate shaft may be withdrawn from the stent. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110290404 | METHODS OF MANUFACTURING LINEARLY EXPANDABLE URETERAL STENTS - A method includes forming an elongated member having a tubular shape. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen. A spiral-shaped opening is formed in the sidewall such that the elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming a distal retention structure. The distal retention structure can be disposed at a distal end of the elongated member and can define a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member. | 12-01-2011 |
| 20110282437 | ENDOPROSTHESIS - In embodiments, a stent comprises a biodegradable polymer functionalized with an adhesion-enhancing amino acid. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282436 | Endoprosthesis - A stent includes a MOF which adjusts pore size upon desorption or adsorption of organic molecules. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282435 | Longitudinally Flexible Expandable Stent - Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282433 | Stent Design Allowing Extended Release of Drug and/or Enhanced Adhesion of Polymer to OD Surface - The invention is directed to mechanisms and methods that reduce the delamination of a therapeutic agent from a stent. The mechanisms include holes (channels, wells, and other hole configurations), protrusions, sintered metal cores, clamps/staples, pins, and stainless steel shields. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282431 | Endoprostheses - A medical device is provided with a porous region including a reservoir zone including a polymer and a protective zone between adjacent tissue and the reservoir zone that restricts the tissue from direct contact with the polymer. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282430 | Endoprosthesis - In embodiments, a stent includes a copolymer having a modulus of about 10 MPa or less and exhibiting hydrolytic degradation substantially by surface erosion. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282428 | BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSITE STENT - A biodegradable stent body is defined by a composite of a biodegradable polymer and a biodegradable metal insert. The composition, geometry, and location of the metal and polymer are selected for desirable stent performance. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282272 | CRYOTREATMENT DEVICE AND METHOD - Devices and methods for cooling vessel walls to inhibit restenosis in conjunction with medical procedures such as coronary artery angioplasty. Stenosed vessel walls can be cooled prior to angioplasty, after angioplasty, or both. The invention is believed to inhibit restenosis through cooling to a temperature near freezing, preferably without causing substantial vessel wall cell death. One catheter device includes a distal tube region having coolant delivery holes radially and longitudinally distributed along the distal region. In some devices, holes spray coolant directly onto the vessel walls, with the coolant absorbed into the blood stream. In other embodiments, a balloon or envelope is interposed between the coolant and the vessel walls and the coolant returned out of the catheter through a coolant return lumen. Some direct spray devices include an occlusion device to restrict blood flow past the region being cooled. Pressure, temperature, and ultrasonic probes are included in some cooling catheters. Pressure control valves are included in some devices to regulate balloon interior pressure within acceptable limits. In applications using liquid carbon dioxide as coolant, the balloon interior pressure can be maintained above the triple point of carbon dioxide to inhibit dry ice formation. Some cooling catheters are coiled perfusion catheters supporting longer cooling periods by allowing perfusing blood flow simultaneously with vessel wall cooling. One coiled catheter is biased to assume a coiled shape when unconstrained and can be introduced into the body in a relatively straight shape, having a stiffening wire inserted through the coil strands. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110276126 | Longitudinally Flexible Expandable Stent - In at least one embodiment, a stent comprises a plurality of serpentine bands and a plurality of connector columns. Each serpentine band comprises a plurality of alternating straight band struts and turns. Adjacent serpentine bands are connected across a connector column by a plurality of connector struts. Each connector strut is connected at one end to a turn of one serpentine band and connected at the other end to a turn of another serpentine band. The turns of a serpentine band comprise connected turns that connect to a connector strut and unconnected turns that do not connect to a connector strut. At least one serpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of three band struts and then five band struts extending between connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed. At least one serpentine band comprises a repeating pattern of three band struts and then one band strut extending between connected turns as the serpentine band is traversed. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276122 | STENT | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110276063 | DEVICE FOR FASTENING TISSUE LAYERS - Endoscopic devices and methods used for fastening multiple tissue layers, such as, for example, an endoscopic fundoplication procedure, are disclosed. The endoluminal device includes a tissue fastener, a flexible needle having means for grasping and releasing a portion of the tissue fastener, and a deflector for deflecting and guiding the needle toward the multiple tissue layers. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110275980 | MEDICAL DEVICES EMPLOYING ELECTROACTIVE POLYMERS FOR DELIVERY OF PARTICULATE THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - In accordance with one aspect, medical devices are provided which comprise an electroactive polymer material and therapeutic-agent containing particles. The device is configured such that the particles are delivered from the device upon actuation of the electroactive polymer material. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110270406 | Anti-Obesity Stent - The anti-obesity stent includes a tubular structure having outer and inner surfaces and proximal and distal ends. The tubular structure is sized to fit within a duodenum in substantially coaxial relation therewith. The tubular structure is impervious or semi-permeable to digestive substances and chyme within the duodenum. The anti-obesity stent includes a transport structure at least a part of which is coincident with or connected to the outer surface. The transport structure extends to the distal end of the tubular structure. At least one retainer structure is connected to the tubular structure. The retainer structure secures the tubular structure within the duodenum such that the transport structure is positioned to receive digestive fluids from a papilla of Vater on an inner surface of the duodenum. The transport structure provides a conduit for the digestive fluids therein to flow to the distal end. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270405 | Duodenal Metabolic Stent - In at least one embodiment, the invention is directed to an endoluminal device comprising a stent and a sleeve. In one embodiment, the endoluminal device is implanted in a portion of the gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the stent has a first region and a second region where the first and second regions provide different levels of radial force. In one embodiment, the first region is made from a plurality of first wires having a first diameter and the second region is made from a plurality of second wires having a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter. In other embodiments, the endoluminal device has at least one engagement mechanism engaging the stent to the sleeve, the endoluminal device to a body lumen, and any combination thereof. In at least one embodiment, the endoluminal device has a wall with at least one opening therein. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270226 | BALLOON CATHETER DEVICES WITH SHEATH COVERING - Catheter devices having an expandable balloon for delivering a therapeutic agent to a body site. In one aspect, one or more sheaths are disposed around the balloon with the therapeutic agent being disposed within the sheath, being disposed over the sheath, being contained in the space between the sheath and the balloon, or being otherwise associated with the sheath. In another aspect, the balloon includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) for drug delivery. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270152 | THERAPEUTIC AGENT DELIVERY DEVICE FOR DELIVERY OF A NEUROTOXIN - A therapeutic agent delivery device and method for eluting a therapeutic agent to a target location are disclosed. The therapeutic agent delivery device may comprise a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and an electrochemical layer including a neurotoxin located between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are adapted to be connected to a voltage source. When the first conductive element and the second conductive element are connected to the voltage source, an electrochemical reaction occurs causing the neurotoxin to release from the electroactive layer and elute to a target location. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270026 | DELIVERING PELVIC FLOOR REPAIR IMPLANTS - A medical device for the delivery of pelvic floor repair implants within a pelvic region of a body includes a handle, an elongated shaft member, and a head. A method of delivering a pelvic floor repair implant in a transvaginal implant procedure includes inserting and deploying at least a portion of the medical device into a pelvic region of a body. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110270015 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES, AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE PELVIC SURGERY - The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110265908 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SINGLE WIRE STENT - A mandrel for manufacturing a stent from a single wire includes a cylindrical member having a plurality of pins at a proximal end region, a plurality of pins at a distal end region, and a plurality of indentations between the proximal pins and the distal pins. These indentations form a helical pattern on the outer surface of the cylindrical member. The single wire is wrapped around every proximal pin and distal pin on the mandrel by following the indentations in the mandrel. The single wire is slid through the indentation under any crossing section of wire and over the next crossing section of wire in an under-over pattern. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110263932 | PELVIC FLOOR REPAIR IMPLANTS AND METHODS - The invention generally relates to surgically implantable supportive slings. More specifically, in various embodiments, the invention is directed to sling assemblies for pelvic floor repair that utilize one or more materials, attached without a mechanical fixation device, and related methods of use and fabrication. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263931 | ELASTIC SLING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to adjustable length implantable sling assemblies for providing support to anatomical locations. In certain embodiments, the sling includes at least one elastic member to aid in the placement and tensioning of the sling. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110263927 | MEDICAL SLINGS - A sling in accordance with the invention includes a synthetic material and a non-synthetic material positioned adjacent thereto. The non-synthetic material may be wrapped around or may be attached to the synthetic material. Additionally, the non-synthetic material may include slits. Methods for making such slings are also described. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110258833 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTRACTING, OR CRIMPING STENTS - An apparatus for manipulating a medical device is formed of at least three coupled movable blades which are disposed about a reference circle to form an aperture whose size may be varied. The aperture capable of being sized to contain a medical device. Each blade is in communication with an actuation device which is capable of moving the blade to alter the size of the aperture. Each blade includes a single radial point which a) lies on the circumference of the reference circle prior to movement of the blade, and b) may be moved only along a radius of the reference circle on movement of the blade. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110257730 | MEDICAL DEVICES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, having a layer that can enhance the biocompatibility of the endoprosthesis, and methods of making the endoprosthesis are disclosed. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110251678 | Percutaneous Valve, System, and Method - Apparatus, systems, and methods for percutaneous valve replacement and/or augmentation are provided. The apparatus includes a valve having a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame, and a leaflet transition member coupled to the valve leaflet. The valve leaflet and leaflet transition member can transition from a first position where the valve leaflet and leaflet frame are at least partially outside a lumen of the valve frame to a second position where the valve leaflet and the leaflet transition member are within the lumen of the valve frame. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251590 | BALLOON CATHETERS WITH FIBERS FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENT AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A medical device comprises a catheter with an expandable member, fibers extending from the outer surface of the expandable member, and therapeutic agent coated on the fibers or carried in the spaces between the fibers. Upon expansion of the expandable member, the therapeutic agent is delivered from the medical device. A surfactant may be coated on the fibers. A method of manufacturing comprises coating the outer surface of an expandable member with a metallic layer, coating the metallic layer with at least one polymeric layer, forming a plurality of holes in at least one polymeric layer, forming fibers in the holes, and removing at least one polymeric layer. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251582 | LOCALIZED DELIVERY OF DRUG AGENTS - Medical devices including a substrate that are expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state; a coating on the substrate, the coating having a drug agent incorporated therein; and a sheath over the coating. The sheath is expandable from a compressed state to an expanded state and has at least one perforation therein. The medical devices are configured such that when the substrate is in a compressed state, the sheath is also in a compressed state and the perforation is substantially closed. When the substrate is in an expanded state, the sheath is also in an expanded state and the perforation is substantially open. The invention also includes a method of using the medical devices for the controlled, localized delivery of a drug agent to a target location within a mammalian body. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251525 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TREATING LUNG TISSUE - A system for treating lung tissue includes a tube having a distal end, an anchoring device secured to the tube, the anchoring device configured to anchor at least a portion of the tube against an esophagus, a trachea, or a bronchus; and an ablation device carried within a lumen of the tube. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110250255 | DRUG COATED STENT WITH ENDOSOME-DISRUPTING CONJUGATE - A stent is provided with a drug-eluting layer disposed on at least a portion of its surface, wherein the drug-eluting layer comprises an endosome-disrupting agent and a pharmaceutical agent. In an embodiment, the endosome-disrupting agent, when taken up through endocytosis into living cells, causes lysis of endosomes containing the endosome-disrupting agent. The pharmaceutical agent can accompany the endosome-disrupting agent into the living cells. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110245914 | STENT HAVING ACTIVE RELEASE RESERVOIRS - Devices for the controlled release of one or more drugs are provided. The devices include an implantable stent, at least two reservoirs in the stent, and a release system contained in each of the at least two reservoirs, wherein the release system comprises one or more drugs for release. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245906 | Sealable Attachment of Endovascular Stent To Graft - An endovascular prosthesis of the present invention includes an expandable stent and a means for sealably attaching a tubular graft to the stent within the stent's lumen. The means of sealably attaching a graft includes membranes, foams, polymeric materials and combinations thereof. Additionally, the present invention includes methods of forming an endovascular prosthesis and methods of implanting an endovascular prosthesis within a vessel to provide sealable securement of a tubular graft within the stent's lumen. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245905 | ENDOPROSTHESIS - Among other things, a bio-erodible implantable endoprosthesis comprises a member that includes (a) a core having a surface, and (b) a bio-erodible metal on a least a portion of the surface of the core, wherein the bio-erodible metal erodes more slowly than the core and includes openings through which physiological fluids can access the core upon implantation. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245861 | VASO-OCCLUSIVE DEVICES - A vaso-occlusive device includes a coil having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the coil comprises a helically wounded elongated member having a core and an outer layer, the outer layer being made from a metal or alloy, and has a stiffness that is different from a stiffness of the core. A vaso-occlusive device includes a first coil and a second coil, wherein the first and the second coils are coupled to each other such that at least one loop from the first coil is between two adjacent loops from the second coil, and wherein the first coil is made from a first material, and the second coil is made from a second material that is stiffer than the first material. A vaso-occlusive device includes an outer coil having a plurality of loops that define a lumen therethrough, and an inner coil located within the lumen of the outer coil, wherein the outer and inner coils are each made from a metal or an alloy, such as platinum or a platinum-tungsten alloy. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245808 | GUIDEWIRE WITH AN IMPROVED FLEXURAL RIGIDITY PROFILE - Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein and may have a longitudinal axis. The tubular member may include a variably spaced slot section that has a flexural rigidity that varies from a first flexural rigidity to a second flexural rigidity. The transition from the first flexural rigidity to the second flexural rigidity may be a function of a fourth power equation. The first flexural rigidity may be in the range of about 1×10 | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245801 | IMMOBILIZING OBJECTS IN THE BODY - Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245767 | BALLOON FOLDING APPARATUS, METHODS AND PRODUCTS - A medical balloon may be configured by at least partially inflating the medical balloon and forming at least one primary lobe in the balloon. The primary lobe extends from a central portion of the balloon. The primary lobe may be manipulated to form at least two secondary lobes therefrom. The balloon may then be deflated and the secondary lobes wrapped around the balloon. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110245693 | INTRAVASCULAR PRESSURE SENSING - Devices, systems, and methods associated with pressure sensing are described herein. In one or more embodiments, an intravascular pressure sensing device includes a magnetic sensing element fixedly positioned within a sensor tube, a magnet located a distance from the magnetic sensing element within the sensor tube, the magnet movably positioned within the sensor tube via a ferrofluid magnetically attached to the magnet, and an amount of compressible fluid sealed between the magnetic sensing element and the magnet. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110238169 | ANNULOPLASTY DEVICE - Devices, systems, and methods associated with annuloplasty are described herein. One or more annuloplasty devices include a number of longitudinal filaments moveable between an introductory configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the number of longitudinal filaments are one or more lengths, and a shell, wherein the shell contains the number of longitudinal filaments and a curable polymer to maintain the annuloplasty device in a deployed configuration. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238156 | Flexible Stent Design - Stents having a plurality of serpentine bands including a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a middle portion therebetween are herein disclosed. Each of the bands includes peaks and valleys. Serpentine bands of the proximal end portion are connected together in a repeating pattern of connected and unconnected peaks and valleys. Serpentine bands of the distal end portion are connected together in a repeating pattern of connected and unconnected peaks and valleys. The repeating pattern of the proximal end portion is different than the repeating pattern of the distal end portion. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238153 | ENDOPROSTHESES - Endoprostheses include an endoprosthesis wall that includes a surface layer that includes a metallic material and that defines a plurality of discrete pores. A porous material is disposed in one or more pores of the surface layer. The endoprostheses can, for example, deliver a therapeutic agent, such as a drug, in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238151 | SURFACE TREATED BIOERODIBLE METAL ENDOPROSTHESES - An endoprosthesis includes an expandable tubular body defined by a plurality of struts. In some embodiments, the expandable tubular body includes a bioerodible metal that has at least a first surface region and a second surface region. The first and second surface regions can have different surface oxide compositions. In some embodiments, the first portion has a thermally altered microstructure and the second portion has a wrought microstructure. The thermally altered microstructure can be a cast microstructure comprising dendritic grains. The first portion forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the expandable tubular body. In some embodiments, the expandable tubular body includes iron or a bioerodible iron alloy and at least one surface of the expandable tubular body includes a substantially uniform coating of iron(III) oxide. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238150 | Bioerodible Medical Implants - An implantable medical device includes a bioerodible portion adapted to erode when exposed to a physiological environment. The bioerodible portion includes an alloy comprising at least 10 weight percent chromium and has an outer surface having a ratio of chromium oxide to chromium metal of less than 5. The bioerodible implantable medical device can be created by implanting metallic ions into an alloy including at least 10 weight percent chromium to define an outer surface of a medical implant, or precursor thereof. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238149 | ENDOPROSTHESIS - Endoprostheses and methods of making endoprostheses are disclosed. For example, endoprostheses are described that include an endoprosthesis body, a biodegradable metallic tie layer, and a polymer coating about the endoprosthesis body. The biodegradable tie layer and the polymer coating can have a high peel strength from the body. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110230960 | Stent with Protruding Branch Portion for Bifurcated Vessels - The present invention is directed to a stent for use in a bifurcated body lumen having a main branch and a side branch. The stent comprises a radially expandable generally tubular stent body having proximal and distal opposing ends with a body wall having a surface extending therebetween. The surface has a geometrical configuration defining a first pattern, and the first pattern has first pattern struts and connectors arranged in a predetermined configuration. The stent also comprises a branch portion comprised of a second pattern, wherein the branch portion is at least partially detachable from the stent body. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230949 | Venous Valve, System, and Method With Sinus Pocket - A valve with a frame and valve leaflets that provide a sinus pocket. The valve provides for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the valve. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230860 | SELECTIVE SURFACE MODIFICATION OF CATHETER TUBING - A catheter shaft and methods for making and using the same. The catheter shaft may include a core portion, a cap portion, and one or more lumens. The cap portion may be disposed on or over a section of the core portion and define a region with a different exterior or interior surface characteristic. For example, the cap portion may define a lubricious region along the catheter shaft. Manufacturing the catheter shaft may include a modified co-extrusion process that incorporates a flow valve on at least one of the material supply lines so that the supply line can be regulated by a user. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110230818 | CUTTING BALLOON AND PROCESS - A method of preparing a cutting balloon comprises the steps of providing a balloon body having an exterior surface, an unexpanded state and an expanded state; and engaging at least one blade to the exterior surface when the balloon body is in the unexpanded state. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110224783 | ENDOPROSTHESIS COATING - An endoprosthesis, such as a stent, includes anchoring regions formed of polymer that enhance adherence of a coating, e.g. a drug eluting polymer coating, to a stent surface, e.g. made of ceramic. The anchoring regions can be formed using stamping processes. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110224770 | Drug Eluting Stents and Methods of Making the Same - A stent formed from a bioabsorbable polymer matrix including at least one bioabsorbable polymer and at least one therapeutic agent dispersed therein, and methods of making the same. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110224716 | PERCUTANEOUS CATHETER AND GUIDEWIRE HAVING FILTER AND MEDICAL DEVICE DEPLOYMENT CAPABILITIES - The invention provides a nested tubing cannula which comprises outer and inner elongate tubular members, both having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The inner tubular member is sealed at its distal end and is nested substantially coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular member, so that the gap between the inner and the outer tubular member defines a second lumen whereas the first lumen is the lumen of the inner tubular member. A tubular sleeve is disposed coaxially between the inner and outer tubular members. A balloon is mounted on a distal region of the outer tubular member and is in communication with the first lumen. The cannula further comprises a port proximal or distal the balloon occluder and is in communication with the second lumen. Methods for making the devices herein are disclosed. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110224619 | ACCESS NEEDLE WELL-SUITED FOR PERCUTANEOUS IMPLANTATION IN A BODY LUMEN - An access needle well-suited for percutaneous implantation in a body lumen, such as the stomach or the jejunum. In one embodiment, the access needle comprises a cannula, a needle, a retractable stopper and a spreader. The cannula is a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen and a pair of side windows providing access to the lumen. The needle is slidably mounted within the cannula lumen and comprises a needle stem and a needle handle, the needle stem having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal lumen, the needle handle extending outwardly from the needle stem proximate to the proximal end thereof. The stopper is coupled to the needle stem for translational movement, the stopper comprising a pair of outwardly-biasing wings removably insertable through the side windows for engaging an interior surface of a patient. The spreader is mounted within the cannula and spreads the wings outwardly as the wings are inserted out the side windows. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110218610 | Dilatation and stent delivery system and related methods - The invention relates to a system for dilatation of a body passage and delivery of a stent into the body passage of a patient, and related methods of using such a system. The dilatation and stent delivery system may comprise a dilatation catheter having an expandable member on a distal end, and a stent delivery catheter configured to retain a stent and deliver the stent to a body passage. The stent delivery catheter defines a lumen sized to receive the dilatation catheter and permit movement of the dilatation catheter relative to the stent delivery catheter. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218393 | MEDICAL DEVICE POSITIONING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS - A medical retrieval device of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an assembly for positioning a medical device includes a sleeve having a lumen configured to accept a medical device, and a tab. The tab includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The distal portion is configured to receive the sleeve for positioning the sleeve proximate the proximal portion. The proximal portion is configured such that severing the tab along the proximal portion maintains the tab in one piece. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110213389 | DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS FOR SECURING A TISSUE FOLD - The present invention relates to devices and methods for creating and securing a tissue fold during an endoluminal medical procedure. The devices and methods may be used for folding and securing, for example, a fundus wall onto an esophagus wall. An aspect of the invention includes a two-piece tissue clip configured to be installed through an endoluminal device to secure a tissue fold. The clip includes a female member and a male member configured to engage one another to secure the tissue fold. Another aspect of the invention includes a clipping device comprising a tissue clip magazine. The magazine is configured to hold a plurality of tissue clips and install the plurality of tissue clips in a single actuation of the magazine. A method for using the clipping device together with the tissue clips of the present invention to create and secure a fold of tissue during an endoluminal procedure also is disclosed. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213388 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR THE TREATMENT OF URINARY INCONTINENCE - Methods and devices for treating female stress urinary incontinence are disclosed. The methods include transvaginally accessing the pelvic cavity and introducing a suburethral sling into the retropubic space. In some embodiments the ends of the sling are attached to an anatomical support structure. In other embodiments, the ends of the suburethral sling are not attached to an anatomical support structure. The devices include a surgical instrument for blunt dissection of the pelvic cavity which includes a curved shaft and a blunt distal end. A hook deployment device may optionally be attached to the surgical instrument. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213358 | Tissue-Treatment Methods - Polymer insulators and methods of using polymer insulators are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes separating a first portion of a subject's tissue from a second portion of the subject's tissue so that there is a space between the first and second portions of tissue. Deionized water, a buffered saline solution, liquid polymers, gels, particles, foams, and/or gases are disposed between the first and second portions of tissue, and the first portion of tissue is exposed to energy to treat the first portion of tissue. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213202 | ENDOSCOPE WORKING CHANNEL WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONALITY - Endoscopic instrument assemblies and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscopic instrument assembly includes an endoscope having a working channel and an endoscopic instrument slidably disposed in the working channel. The inside surface of the working channel and the outside surface of the endoscopic instrument each have a non-circular cross-sectional shape along at least a portion of their respective lengths. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110208219 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC REPAIR OF THE LOWER ESOPHAGEAL SPHINCTER - The present invention includes a method and apparatus for adhering tissue to one another. In an embodiment of the present invention the two tissues to be joined, for example the lower esophagus and the fundus of the stomach, are first placed adjacent to one another. Next a first restraint is placed near the outside surface of one of the tissues and a second restraint is placed near the outside surface of the other tissue. An irritant is then placed between the two adjacent tissues. The restraints, and consequently the tissue surfaces, are then drawn together. As the touching irritated tissue surfaces heal they will become bonded to one another and their need for the mechanical fastening of the restraints, to secure them together, will be diminished. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110208041 | TRANSDUCER/SENSOR ASSEMBLY - An imaging transducer assembly is combined with a sensor of a medical positioning system, forming a transducer/sensor assembly. In one embodiment, the sensor includes a coil proximally coupled with the imaging transducer. A cable having first and second wires are proximally coupled to the coil. A non-conductive potting layer is wrapped around the coil. Traces are formed in the non-conductive potting layer that are used to electrically couple the imaging transducer with the first and second wires of the cable. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110202066 | RETRIEVAL DEVICE MADE OF PRECURSOR ALLOY CABLE - A medical retrieval device for retrieving foreign objects from a patient and the method of constructing the device are disclosed. The device incorporates a wire cable composed of a precursor alloy to a superelastic material to improve durability of the device. Because precursor alloys exhibit, a linear stress-strain relationship and a yield point associated with a relatively high stress level, the device transfers greater stresses before experiencing deformation. Thus, greater crushing forces can be achieved using a device of this type. These crushing forces may be needed when the foreign object is too large to remove intact. This property also facilitates the device in dilating ducts to retrieve foreign objects. Using the precursor alloy additionally eliminates the need for heat treatment of the cables used in constructing the device. A retrieval device made of precursor alloy cable also is less susceptible to permanent deformation and unwinding during use. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110201877 | SLING ASSEMBLIES FOR TREATING URINARY INCONTINENCE AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - A surgical fastener for use in surgical procedures comprises a first member, a second member, and an anchor. Surgical materials may be secured within the surgical fastener. Methods of securing the surgical fastener to an anatomical structure are disclosed herein. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110196507 | MEDICAL STENT AND RELATED METHODS - A medical stent is sized for placement in a ureter. The stent includes a first section which includes a first material, defines a lumen, and includes a first coil completing at least one revolution. A second section of the stent includes a second material, defines a lumen, and includes a second coil completing at least one revolution. A third section defines a lumen and is located between the first and second sections. The third section includes a co-extrusion of the first and second materials. One of the first or second sections is harder than the other section. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196470 | LASER ABLATED ELASTOMER SHEATH PROFILES TO ENABLE STENT SECUREMENT - The stent placement dilation balloon assembly comprises a catheter having a distal end, a distal end portion, and a proximal end, a balloon mounted to, about, and around the distal end portion of the catheter. The assembly further includes an elastic sheath positioned about and around the balloon. The outer surface of the sheath includes a profile which encourages stent securement. A stent is mounted on the sleeve for placement in a vessel in a human body. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196388 | AUTOMATIC VASCULAR CLOSURE DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS - Methods of installing a vascular closure device, the vascular closure device adapted for sealing an opening in biological tissue and comprising an anchor, a compressible plug, a cinch and a suture, the method comprising the steps of providing an insertion sheath, inserting the insertion sheath into the opening in the biological tissue, providing a device sheath having the vascular closure device preloaded therein with a proximal portion of the suture attached to the device sheath, subsequent to the step of inserting the insertion sheath, inserting the device sheath into the insertion sheath, and retracting the insertion sheath and device sheath simultaneously, wherein during the retraction, the insertion sheath and the device sheath are fixed to one another and devices adapted to the methods. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196347 | MEDICAL DEVICES EMPLOYING PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIALS FOR DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC AGENTS - In one aspect, the present invention provides therapeutic-agent-releasing medical devices which comprise at least one region of piezoelectric material. Therapeutic agent release is initiated or increased when the piezoelectric material is subjected to mechanical stress, which leads to the development of a voltage across the piezoelectric material. This voltage is used to initiate or increase therapeutic agent release. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196340 | LOADING AND RELEASE OF WATER-INSOLUBLE DRUGS - A medical device, polymer composition, and method for delivering substantially water-insoluble drugs to tissue at desired locations within the body. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the medical device is provided with a polymer coating. Incorporated in the polymer coating is a solution of at least one substantially water-insoluble drug in a volatile organic solvent. The medical device is positioned to a desired target location within the body, whereupon the drug diffuses out of the polymer coating. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110196335 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR AGENT-ASSISTED MEDICAL PROCEDURES - Various embodiments of bulking or cushioning agents or material and related medical devices and methods are disclosed. For example, a method of performing a medical procedure in a tract of a body may include injecting a material in a liquid phase proximate a target site between a first tissue layer and a second tissue layer, allowing the material to transition from the liquid phase to the gel phase in response to a raise in temperature of the material to approximately at or above the predetermined temperature, and performing a surgical procedure on the target site. The material may have the liquid phase at temperatures below a predetermined temperature and a gel phase at temperatures approximately at or above the predetermined temperature. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110190873 | Stent - A stent with strut bands and connectors, wherein the strut bands have long and short struts with a junction positioned between the short struts. Each junction defines a reservoir, wherein the reservoirs of a strut band are substantially circumferentially aligned. The connectors each have arms, wherein each arm includes an opposing U-shaped link. The opposing links have a shared portion disposed between a peak on one strut band and a longitudinally adjacent trough of an adjacent strut band. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190870 | Covered Stent for Vascular Closure - A stent assembly includes a stent, a covering on at least a portion of the stent, and a string encircling at least a portion of the covering. The string is releasably engaged to the covering or stent or both the covering and the stent. The string can be adhered to the stent, or the stent assembly, to the covering of the stent assembly, or both the covering and the stent. The string can be wrapped around the stent or covering in an interwoven loop or knit pattern. The covering can be made to overlap a perforation in a body lumen such as an artery or blood vessel and prevent bleeding. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190863 | Therapeutic Balloon with Systemic Drug Loss Protection and Controlled Particle Size Release - Systemic drug loss protection devices are disclosed. The drug loss protection device includes a balloon and a drug particulate filter. The drug particulate filter has a plurality of openings and is configured to selectively permit transmission of drug particulates through the filter. Consequently, the size of the openings in the filter regulates transmission of the drug particulates. The drug particulate filter can also be used as an embolic filter. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190862 | STENT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A stent delivery system comprises a stent having a first connector disposed on a stent proximal end, and a pusher wire having a second connector disposed on a pusher wire distal end, wherein the first and second connectors are configured to releasably attach to each other. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110190792 | TENSION ADAPTER FOR MEDICAL DEVICE - Devices and methods are described herein directed to an adaptor for use with a medical device used to suture tissue within a patient's body and/or for delivering and/or securing another medical device within a patient's body. In one embodiment, an apparatus to aid in the placement of a suture at a location within a body of a patient using a medical device includes a body and a coupler configured to couple the body to the medical device. The apparatus further includes a suture mounting portion disposed on the body that defines a suture slit configured to laterally receive therethrough a portion of a suture coupled to the medical device and to apply a frictional force to the suture to resist movement of the suture longitudinally therethrough. A magnitude of the frictional force being less than a longitudinal force applied to the suture by actuation of the medical device. | 08-04-2011 |
