Abstract:
A catheter is provided with increased flexibility and radiopaque measurement visibility. The radiopaque measurement bands are formed of a continuous coil of radiopaque material defined by areas of tightly packed coils spaced by areas of loosely wound coils. Systems and methods of utilizing the measurement structure are also provided.
Abstract:
An imaging device for imaging a portion of a patient's vasculature with an imaging element may include a proximal portion having a relatively higher stiffness that provides rigidity for pushing the imaging device through a patient's vasculature, and may include a distal portion having a relatively lower stiffness that enables threading through a curved vasculature of the patient. The imaging device also may include a transition region disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion.
Abstract:
Described herein is a sensing wire for locating a blood vessel in a patient. The sensing wire comprises a hollow, rigid tube including a lumen extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion, an ultrasonic sensor coupled to the distal portion of the tube, and a communication assembly positioned at the distal portion and coupled to the ultrasound sensor. Also described is a system for accessing and evaluating a blood vessel in a patient. The system comprises an access sensor wire, an access needle sized to receive the access sensor wire, and a second sensing wire configured to be positioned within the access needle. A method is also disclosed for accessing a blood vessel with an introduction needle, where a short access sensing wire is replaced by a much longer second sensing wire after the needle is positioned in the vessel.
Abstract:
An intravascular measurement system is provided. The system includes a catheter having a plurality of visible markers on a proximal portion that are proportional to a plurality of radiopaque markers on a distal portion. In at least one aspect, the system includes an imaging device adjacent the distal end.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems and methods for providing embolic protection to a medical procedure by filtration of debris generated by the medical procedure. The system and methods include an embolic protection device having an ultrasound transducer for assisting in intravascular navigation of the device.
Abstract:
A medical device including both an intraluminal imaging apparatus and dual guidewire lumens is provided, allowing more accurate and stable catheter navigation and treatment delivery. The dual lumen catheter may also include members for increased torsional rigidity, distally located functional measurement sensors, and patterned radioopaque markers for orientation of the dual lumen exits.
Abstract:
The invention generally relates to treatment of fistulas and abscesses and specifically to an all-in-one treatment device. The invention provides an aspiration catheter with imaging capabilities that can also deploy a blocking device, thereby providing an all-in-one treatment device for treating a fistula or an abscess. The device is inserted into an abscess and its imaging capabilities can be used to guide the device to a treatment site. A clogging device can be deployed from the device to prevent draining into, or out of, the abscess. In certain aspects, the invention provides a device for aspirating an abscess or fistula that includes a catheter having an extended body with a lumen therein, an imaging device such as an ultrasonic transducer disposed at a distal portion of the catheter, and a clogging device deployable from the catheter.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides various embodiments of methods of forming a tapering distal tip for a catheter. An exemplary method includes providing a mandrel and a holding hypotube, placing a tip first material with a first outer diameter over the mandrel and the hypotube, placing a tip second material with a second outer diameter over the mandrel and under the first material, placing a shrink tube of heat-shrink material around at least a junction of the first material and second material, heating the shrink tube, cooling the first material and second material, and removing the shrink tube and the hypotube. The first outer diameter is greater than the second outer diameter.
Abstract:
A balloon catheter junction includes a distal junction on a distal end of a balloon. The junction includes an inner member, a balloon inner sleeve encompassing the inner member and bonded to an interior of a mid-shaft, and a balloon distal leg bonded to an exterior of the mid-shaft. A connection medium is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member.
Abstract:
The invention generally relates to devices and methods for imaging and delivery thrombolytic agents to biological material inside a vessel. In certain embodiments, the invention provides devices that include a body configured to fit within a lumen of a vessel. The body includes an opening. Devices of the invention also include a channel within the body. The channel includes a distal end that is connected to the opening. Devices of the invention also include an imaging assembly coupled to the body.