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:
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:
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.
Abstract:
A catheter apparatus defining a first lumen with a first internal diameter, the catheter apparatus further comprising a shaping structure having a distal end and a proximal end and a length therebetween, the shaping structure being moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. A deployment member having a second lumen with a second internal diameter, a first portion of the deployment member being positioned within the first lumen and having a third outside diameter sized to enable the deployment member to slide within the first lumen, the deployment member being operably coupled to the distal end of the shaping structure and being configured such that distal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the delivery state, and proximal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the deployed state.
Abstract:
A bodily lumen, such as a blood vessel, can be treated by forming a structural support in situ within the bodily lumen. This can be done by ejecting a formulation that includes a polymer that solidifies over a period of time, such as due to DMSO exchange or photocrosslinking. This can also be done by cooling a formulation until it freezes in situ. The structural support can also be made from a plaque which is already present in the bodily lumen. The plaque can be compressed by a balloon catheter and cooled so that it hardens and thereby forms the structural support. The bodily lumen can also be treated using a preformed structural support made of ice, for example frozen isotonic saline, or a fast degrading polymer, such as PEG. The preformed support is created outside of the bodily lumen, and then transported on a catheter to the treatment zone.
Abstract:
It is provided herein methods, devices, and compositions for trans-arterial local delivery of therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver cancers.
Abstract:
Formulations and methods are disclosed which provide controlled, sustained release of a biologic therapeutic to a space within the body. More specifically, formulations comprising a plurality of hydrophilic polymer strands, and methods of forming and administering such formulations, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the formulations exhibit a burst release, an initial release, a triphasic release, and release over thirty to ninety days of the biologic therapeutic. In some embodiments, the formulations exhibit reversible precipitation of the biologic therapeutic into precipitates having a diameter of about 50 nm to about 10 μm.
Abstract:
A drug delivery balloon is provided comprising a balloon having a surface, and a coating disposed on at least a portion of the balloon surface, the coating including an cytostatic therapeutic agent, an excipient, and a plasticizer. In accordance with the present subject matter, at least 30% of the coating transfers from the balloon surface within two minutes after inflation of the balloon. Alternatively, at least 30% of the coating transfers from the balloon surface within one minute after inflation. The coating results in an effective pharmacokinetic profile of an cytostatic therapeutic agent in a vasculature or target tissue.