Abstract:
The present invention relates to providing a porous, hydrophobic polymer with a hemocompatible substance and to the materials produced thereby. One embodiment of the present invention relates to the providing of expanded poly(tetrafluoroethylene) with one or more complexes of heparin, typically containing heparin in combination with a hydrophobic counter ion. The hemocompatible substance is dissolved in a mixture of solvents in which a first solvent wets the polymer to be coated and the second solvent enhances the solubility of the hemocompatible substance material in the solvent mixture. Typical first solvents wetting hydrophobic polymers include non-polar such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Typical second solvents include polar solvents such as organic alcohols and ketones. Azeotropic mixtures of the second solvent in the first solvent are used in some embodiments of the present invention although second solvents may be employed in a range of concentration ranges from less than 0.1% up to saturation. A typical example providing a heparin complex to an endoluminal stent, consisting of coating DURAFLO onto an ePTFE stent-covering material.
Abstract:
An anchor for using a closure device includes a body being configured to move from a pre-deployed state to a deployed state. In the pre-deployed state, the body has a first width aspect relative to a direction of deployment and a second width aspect in the deployed state relative to the direction of deployment, the second width aspect being greater than the first width aspect and wherein the body is formed from a rapidly eroding material configured to erode through dissolution within a body lumen.
Abstract:
A combination drug treatment for inhibiting stenosis or restenosis is disclosed. The combination treatment is an active component containing both an anti-inflammatory substance and an anti-thrombotic substance which, together, contribute to an inhibiting effect on the initial stages of stenosis or restenosis. The active component can be delivered to a site of treatment by being carried on a device, such as a stent.
Abstract:
A needle removal device is provided for removing needles from suturing systems. In an embodiment, the needle removal device may include a base member configured to be selectively positioned substantially adjacent a proximal portion of a suturing system. The proximal portion of the suturing system may include a plurality of needle lumens. The needle removal device may also include a plurality of needle receptacles at least partially defined by the base member. The needle receptacles may be positioned and configured to generally correspond to the needle lumens of the suturing system. The needle receptacles may be further configured to selectively receive and grasp onto one or more needles extending proximally from the needle lumens of the suturing system.
Abstract:
A closure system for closing openings in tissue that includes a closure device and a fastener. The closure device includes shafts that are configured to deploy a fastener to close an opening in tissue. The closure device can deploy the fastener as a knot pusher to close the opening with sutures or as a knot replacement to close the opening with sutures.
Abstract:
A closure device and system for closing openings in tissue. After placing sutures in the tissue, the sutures are clamped by the closure device to hold the sutures in place and close the opening in the tissue.
Abstract:
A biocompatible carrier for delivery of a therapeutic substance or an active agent is disclosed. The carrier contains a bioadhesive material allowing for increased residence time of the active agent at the treatment site.
Abstract:
A device for penetrating occlusive material in a body lumen is provided that may include an outer tube, an intermediate tube, and an inner tube. At least a portion of the intermediate tube may be moveably disposed within the outer tube. At least a portion of the inner tube may be moveably disposed within the intermediate tube. A first dynamic member may be operably connected to the intermediate tube and the inner tube. The first dynamic member may be configured to penetrate the occlusive material and to anchor the first dynamic member within the occlusive material. A second dynamic member may be operably connected to the outer tube and the intermediate tube. The second dynamic member may be configured to penetrate the occlusive material and to anchor the second dynamic member within the occlusive material and to support movement of the first dynamic member.
Abstract:
A suture applying device includes a shaft which carries a pair of needles near its distal end. The needles are joined by a length of suture, and the shaft is used to both introduce the needles into a lumen of a body structure and to draw the needles back through tissue on either side of the puncture site. After the needles have passed through the tissue, they are captured by a needle receiver and drawn outward through the tract, leaving a loop of suture behind to close the puncture site near the body lumen. The suture can then be tied or otherwise secured to close the puncture site.