Abstract:
A two-stage method of compressing a stent entails providing an expandable stent (100,105) in a radially expanded state. An outward pressure is applied to an inner surface of the tubular framework to support the stent, and a diameter of the stent is reduced to a first compressed diameter (Dl) while applying the outward pressure. The outward pressure is halted after reaching the first compressed diameter. According to an embodiment in which the stent is balloon-expandable, a delivery balloon catheter (130) comprising an uninflated balloon in a delivery configuration is inserted into the lumen after halting the outward pressure. The diameter of the stent is reduced to a second compressed diameter (D2) smaller than the first compressed diameter to crimp the stent onto the delivery balloon catheter.
Abstract:
A medical device including a tube having a coil fitted around at least a part of an inner liner, such as PTFE, and a braid extending over at least part of the coil. A polymeric layer is positioned over the braid to adhere to the inner liner. A portion of the coil advantageously comprises a polymer, such as PEEK, while the coil may also have a metal portion. The polymer coil may extend along at least at the proximal region of the tube, and the metal coil may extend along at least at the distal region of the tube. A polymer coil, a metal coil or any combination thereof can extend along the intermediate region of the tube. The polymer coil can be configured so that the tube is longitudinally splittable with a cutting instrument.
Abstract:
Prosthetic valves for implantation in a body vessel are provided. Prosthetic valves according to the invention comprise first and second frame members and a graft member at least partially disposed between the first and second frame members. The graft member forms a valve that permits fluid flow through the body vessel in a first direction and substantially prevents fluid flow through the body vessel in a second, opposite direction.
Abstract:
A marker and pushing member are provided with lateral extensions connected to a connecting portion. The connecting portion connects the marker/pushing member to a proximal or distal end of the stent. The lateral extensions distribute forces applied to the marker/pushing member so that part of the force is applied to the connecting member and part of the force is applied to a portion of the stent structure that is not directly connected to the connecting member.
Abstract:
A flexible, kink-resistant, delivery catheter or sheath (83) for percutaneously delivering implantable medical devices. The delivery catheter sheath includes a flat wire coil (95) with uniform spacing between the turns, which is compression fitted about and proximal the distal portion of an inner, lubricous material polytetrafluoroethylene tube (84). The delivery catheter or sheath further includes an outer tube (85) of a heat formable polyamide material, which is heat formed and compressed through the spaces between the turns of the wire coil to mechanically connect to the roughened outer surface of the inner tube. The distal portion (87) of the innertube is expanded and everted or folded-back over itself and connected to the distal end of the outer tube to form a lumen having a larger diameter than the rest of the catheter.
Abstract:
A catheter tip assembly (50) is provided with a catheter tip (56) and an inner catheter (54). The catheter tip (56) has a tapered proximal end, an elongate center portion, and a tapered distal end. The inner catheter (54) includes a narrow proximal portion, a narrow elongate center portion (66), and a wide distal end (68). The catheter tip (56) is disposed within the wide distal end (68) of the inner catheter (54). One advantage of the catheter tip assembly is that no proximal-facing edge is formed at the transition between the narrow elongate center portion of the inner catheter and the catheter tip, which may help reduce the risk of the catheter tip snagging on a stent during use.
Abstract:
A process to load a medical device comprising a shape memory material into a delivery system is described herein. According to one aspect, the method includes applying a force to the medical device to obtain a delivery configuration thereof, where the device is at a first temperature within an R-phase temperature range of the shape memory material during application of the force. The medical device is cooled in the delivery configuration to a second temperature at or below a martensite finish temperature of the shape memory material. The force is then removed from the medical device, and the device is loaded into a delivery system. Preferably, the medical device substantially maintains the delivery configuration during the loading process.
Abstract:
Delivery systems for self-expanding devices are provided having a system proximal portion with a handle, an elongate middle section delivery device with an outer sheath and inner compression member, and a system distal portion including an outer guide channel member with first and second end portions defining a guide channel that slidably receives an inner guide channel member having a guide channel, the guide channels being substantially aligned. A mounting region for self-expanding devices is disposed radially between the inner and outer guide channel members. The outer guide channel member has a stepped profile from a first outer diameter to a second smaller outer diameter located near a transition region having a breech position opening for passage of a wire guide, catheter, or other medical instrument. The outer member is axially slideable relative to the inner member to deploy a self-expanding device. Methods of using and manufacturing are also provided.
Abstract:
A stent delivery system includes a stept having at least one eyelet and at feast one rivet and a holder supporting the stept, wherein the holder includes a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter. A sheath covers the stept and the holder. The rivets are attached to each of the eyelets. A first inner diameter of the stent at the position of the rivets is smaller than a second inner diameter of the stept at other positions because the rivets protrude inwardly. A shoulder is formed on the holder due to the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter of the holder. The shoulder is positioned distally adjacent the rivets. The shoulder interferes with the protruding rivets, thereby restraining the longitudinal movement of the stept relative to the holder. Although the sheath is pulled back, the stem does not jump out of the stem delivery system. As a result, the stem delivery system allows the stem to be released in a controlled manner upon its deployment.
Abstract:
A stent deployment system, handle, and method of loading of a medical device are provided. The system includes an outer catheter having an inner liner extending past the end of the outer catheter and an inner catheter disposed within the outer catheter. The inner liner is inverted and attached to the inner catheter. Relative movement between the outer and the inner catheters can urge the inner liner to peel away from the medical device. A handle is disposed at the proximal end of the outer catheter, and may include a splitter configured to slice the wall of the tubular member. The handle may also include a rotatable mechanism that can be attached to the tubular member. Rotation of the rotatable mechanism retracts a portion of the tubular member into the handle and winds the sliced portion about the rotatable mechanism.