Abstract:
Described herein are shock wave devices and methods for the treatment of calcified heart valves. One variation of a shock wave device includes three balloons that are each sized and shaped to fit within a concave portion of a valve cusp when inflated with a liquid and a shock wave source within each of the three balloons. Each balloon is separately and/or independently inflatable, and each shock wave source is separately and/or independently controllable. Methods of treating calcified heart valves using a shock wave device can include advancing a shock wave device having one or more balloons and a shock wave source in each of the balloons to contact a heart valve, inflating the one or more balloons with a liquid such that the balloon is seated within a concave portion of a valve cusp, and activating the shock wave source.
Abstract:
A cutting balloon catheter and method of 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 balloon may include one or more discrete points or areas of flexibility to enhance flexibility of the cutting balloon catheter. A break in the one or more cutting members may be aligned with the one or more discrete points of flexibility in the balloon.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a device 20 for stabilising and/or positioning a medical tool inside a body cavity. Said device comprises an elongated tubular structure 1, at least one inflatable balloon 3,4 connected to at least one capillary tube 5 and inflatable by pressing a fluid and/or gas into said tube and a means 7 for receiving a medical tool. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for stabilising and/or positioning a medical tool in a body cavity.
Abstract:
An active endoscopic system (101) which contains an electromagnetic radiation system (109) located at the distal end of the endoscopic device allowing for variable intensity of desired wavelengths in the application of PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) over a broad area. The power sources are varied according to the needs of a specific application. Various attachments and configurations may be used in conjunction with the endoscopic device to enhance performance of a desired application. Such enhancements may include but are not limited to multi-balloon systems for centering the apparatus or limiting the treatment area, fiber optics for directly viewing the area of treatment, vacuum systems for the removal of waste product, delivery tubes for the delivery of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) or other photosensitizers, and other fiber optics for illumination of treatment area.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a catheter for use in an emboli containment system. In one embodiment, the catheter has a tubular body with a metallic braid construction. Two lumen extend through the tubular body, the lumen being in a side-by-side configuration. One of the lumen functions as an inflation lumen, and is in fluid communication with an inflatable balloon mounted on the distal end of thecatheter. The second lumen is adapted to receive other therapeutic catheters which comprise the emboli containment system.
Abstract:
An endarterectomy catheter and method for removing obstructions from an artery comprises a cylindrical, oval, kidney shaped or other shape housing (110), the housing having an opening (120) inside which a primary shear (130) is movable. The primary shear is razor sharp and cylindrical or other shaped with a smooth or serrated or threaded finish on the inner diameter and movable by means of a firing wire (104) connected by an adapter to a trigger mechanism, which moves the primary shear backward and forward within the housing to excise, encapsulate and store obstructions that protrude into the opening. The primary shear can also be moved by an electric wire and solenoid, hydraulic system or other means. A guide wire (102) positions the catheter in an artery, fallopian tube or other lumen and an inflatable saline anchor or anchors stabilize the catheter against the obstruction to execute a precise cut.
Abstract:
Endoscopic devices, systems(100), and methods for performing a diagnostic and/or therapeutic action are disclosed. The system(100) may comprise an elongated main body(130) having a first end(130a). The system(100) may further comprise an anchor assembly(120) attached to the main body(130) near the first end(130a) of the main body(130). The anchor assembly(120) may comprise a first expandable member(122a). The first expandable member(122a) may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body(130). The anchor assembly(120) may further comprise a second expandable member(124a) provided between the first expandable member(122a) and the first end(130a) of the main body(130). The second expandable member(124a) may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body(130). The anchor assembly(120) may be operable to secure the main body(130) with respect to an interior wall forming the cavity of the patient.
Abstract:
A device for helping a surgeon to fold the correct amount of tissue when conducting a gastric plication procedure is described. The guide device includes an elongated flexible guide, a securing device positioned on the distal end of the guide, and means for guiding stomach tissue during a gastric plication procedure that are positioned longitudinally along the distal end of the guide and proximal to the securing device. The means for guiding stomach tissue include the use of a shaping balloon to serve as a guide for final stomach volume and/or a groove on the guide device to regulate formation of the tissue fold. Methods for using the guide device to carry out gastric plication procedures are also described.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, a medical device for recanalizing a vessel having a blockage and restoring blood flow through an obstructed blood vessel includes an expandable member coupled to a core wire and a hypotube that are movable relative to each other to manipulate the expandable member between various configurations. The expandable member having a capture structure in an expanded configuration. The expandable member can include multiple interstices formed by woven mesh filaments or braided strands through which the material blocking the vessel can pass. The capture structure can include a shape on its external surface that facilitates dislodgement and capture of the material within capture spaces created by the expandable member. Some embodiments include a capture sack or cap for capturing material and preventing material from migrating down stream of the blockage. Superoxygenated blood can be infused distal to the blockage to minimize loss of function during an ischemic event.