Abstract:
A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath is removed by a health professional either by removing the sheath directly or using a tube containing the catheter.
Abstract:
Implants for treating insufficient blood flow to a heart muscle with transmyocardial revascularization are disclosed. Methods of treating insufficient blood flow to a heart muscle with the implant are also disclosed. The implant can have a body with an inner lumen that supports a channel in the heart muscle to allow for increased blood flow through the lumen upon implantation. The implant can include active agents to prevent or inhibit thrombotic closure of the channel, to promote vascularization, or both.
Abstract:
Bioabsorbable scaffolds having high crush recoverability, high fracture resistance, and reduced or no recoil due to self expanding properties at physiological conditions are disclosed The scaffolds are made from a block copolymer of PLLA and a hydrophilic polymer.
Abstract:
Segmented scaffolds composed of disconnected scaffold segments are disclosed. System of and methods for delivery of the segmented scaffolds are disclosed.
Abstract:
A fluid accumulator (130) for controlling inflation pressure and pressurization rate of a stent delivery balloon catheter (120) during deployment of a stent or scaffold (126) are disclosed. The fluid accumulator comprises a chamber (136) connected with an inflation lumen of a balloon (125). A movable wall (138) inside the chamber allows the volume of the chamber to vary in response to pressure of inflation fluid that flows into the chamber. The wall moves against a biasing force that opposes a volume increase of the chamber and thus attenuates the pressure in the chamber.
Abstract:
Methods of controlling the degradation profile of a biodegradable stent scaffolding are disclosed. Disclosed methods include controlling features of the degradation profile including the time to loss of radial strength and the degradation time of the stent.
Abstract:
Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for delivering and infusing formulations containing riboflavin or its analogues, or other ophthalmic formulations, into corneal tissue are disclosed. Systems and methods are further disclosed to cross-link the corneal tissue through exposure to UVA irradiation. The systems and methods for formulation delivery employ micro-needle array delivery devices.
Abstract:
Delivery systems and methods for delivering riboflavin (R/F) and UVA irradiation to the sclera are disclosed. The R/F is delivered and then activated with UVA irradiation through the use of LEDs or optical fibers, thereby causing cross-linking of the collagen tissue. Delivery systems include implantable structures which provide surfaces that conform to the sclera. The delivery systems include various types of structures for delivery of R/F onto the sclera surface. Additionally, the delivery systems include UVA sources which provide irradiation of R/F in sclera collagen tissue.
Abstract:
An apparatus and a method are provided for treating a targeted area of ocular tissue in a tissue-sparing manner comprising use of two or more therapeutic modalities, including thermal radiation source (such as an CW infrared fiber laser), operative in a wavelength range that has a high absorption in water, and photochemical collagen cross-linking (CXL), together with one or more specific system improvements, such as peri-operative feedback measurements for tailoring of the therapeutic modalities, an ocular tissue surface thermal control/cooling mechanism and a source of deuterated water/ riboflavin solution in a delivery system targeting ocular tissue in the presence of the ultraviolet radiation. Additional methods of rapid cross-linking (RXL), are provided that further enables cross-linking (CXL) therapy to be combined with thermal therapy.