Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.
Abstract:
Medical devices and methods for forming an arteriovenous (AV) fistula include a stent having an arterial tubular portion and vein supporting tongue connected by a pre-shaped connector and a venous frustoconical stent having a distal end for maintaining a take-off angle for the venous portion of the AV fistula. Also disclosed is an angled balloon for assisting with the formation of the AV fistula. The medical devices disclosed herein support an AV fistula formation having a desired take off angle of about 30 degrees, or between about 15 and 45 degrees.
Abstract:
A catheter apparatus for treatment of a human patient is described, the catheter apparatus having a central axis and comprising a shaping structure moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. The shaping structure is configured to have a reverse taper with a structural diameter that varies over the length of the shaping structure such that the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the proximal end is smaller than the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the distal end.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to systems for and corresponding methods of delivering a therapeutic agent to a vessel wall of a body lumen by providing a compound capable of being crosslinked after intraluminal release onto a vessel wall so that the therapeutic agent is temporarily retained at the site of delivery by the crosslinked compound.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to systems for and corresponding methods of delivering a therapeutic agent to a vessel wall of a body lumen by providing a compound capable of being crosslinked after intraluminal release onto a vessel wall so that the therapeutic agent is temporarily retained at the site of delivery by the crosslinked compound.
Abstract:
Catheter-based systems for in-vivo targeted light therapy include a first type of catheter configured for photo-activating photosensitive substances in tissue, and a second type of catheter configured for photo-degrading photosensitive substances in tissue. The catheters may be configured to produce light using a variety of light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and fiber optics. The light transmission is directed to tissue in such a way that only portions of tissue in a treatment area are exposed to light, depending upon whether the tissue is diseased or healthy.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a shaping structure having a generally helical profile and configured to support electrodes for delivering electric energy into a cylindrical lumen of a patient. The method comprises providing a mandrel with a circular cylindrical shape and forming a first hole in the mandrel along the elongate axis, such that opposing ends of a bore of the first hole emerge at the proximal end and at the distal end; forming a second hole in the mandrel to extend from the curved surface to connect with the first hole; wrapping a metal wire around the mandrel; and inserting opposing ends of the metal wire into the second and the third hole respectively, and threading the opposing ends of the metal wire until they emerge from the opposing ends of the bore of the first hole; finally, heating the mandrel and the wire.
Abstract:
An apparatus for vascular denervation, comprising a catheter configured for delivery into a vessel of a patient. A balloon is mounted on a distal tip of the catheter, the balloon being configured to be inflatable and further configured so that, upon inflation, the balloon adopts a shape that includes a first edge and a second edge that wind around each other in a double helix, the first edge and the second edge being separated from each other by a first crease and a second crease that also wind around each other in a double helix. A first electrode is attached to the balloon and is located to extend along the first edge.
Abstract:
A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon while retaining, at least partially, the original balloon folds as the balloon is pressurized and de-pressurized within a crimper head. By at least partially retaining the original balloon folds, a uniformity of scaffold expansion by the balloon is improved.