Abstract:
An apparatus is for performing a medical procedure using an inflation fluid. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a shaft with an inflation lumen for transmitting the inflation fluid. A balloon supported by the shaft has an interior capable of being inflated by the inflation fluid transmitted through the inflation lumen of the shaft. One or more tubes provide one or more outlets for transmitting different flows of the inflation fluid to the interior of the balloon. A stent and related methods are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Described in one aspect is a multi-pressure monitoring system for cell or other therapy includes a first catheter having a first lumen for accepting a treatment device, a second lumen for inflating a balloon, a pressure sensor for monitoring fluid pressure within the first lumen, and a flow restrictor such as a hemostasis valve for limiting the exchange of fluids into and out of the first lumen while treatment devices are present or exchanged in the first lumen. Also disclosed is a method of using the first catheter with a first pressure monitor coupled to the first pressure sensor along with a second catheter attached to a second pressure sensor coupled to a second pressure monitor. The second catheter is positioned within the first lumen of the first catheter during treatment operations and the first and second pressure monitors are used to verify proper pressures throughout the procedure. Described also are novel methods, systems, and catheters for delivering flowable therapeutic substances, such as viable cellular preparations, to patients.
Abstract:
A dilation catheter device (120) and system for dilating an opening in a paranasal sinus and/or other passageways within the ear, nose or throat is disclosed. A dilation catheter device and system is constructed in a manner that facilitates ease of use by the operator and, in at least some cases, allows the dilation procedure to be performed by a single operator. Additionally, the dilation catheter device and system may be useable in conjunction with an endoscope and/or a fluoroscope to provide for easy manipulation and positioning of the devices and real time visualization of the entire procedure or selected portions thereof. In some embodiments, shaft markers (118,121,116,114,112) are disposed on a shaft of the dilation catheter and have a light color to contrast with a dark color of the dilation catheter shaft. The high contrast between the markers and catheter shaft allows for easy viewing of the markers in low light and operation conditions.
Abstract:
A catheter having shaft segments which are joined together by a strong bond providing a low profile shaft section with a flexibility transition and/or a compositional transition. A balloon catheter embodying features of the invention has a distal tip member (19) and a coupling band member (21) surrounding a junction of an inner tubular member (18) of the shaft (11), and has a gradual change in bending stiffness along a distal end section of the shaft which extends distally from a location within the balloon interior. Another catheter embodying features of the invention has shaft segments joined together by a diagonal seam (120).
Abstract:
A balloon catheter including an inflatable balloon affixed to a catheter. The proximal end of the balloon is fixedly connected to the distal end of the catheter, and the distal end of the balloon is supported by stiffening member that extends distally from the distal end of the catheter and through the interior of the balloon. The distal end of the catheter comprises one or more apertures that are in fluid communication with an inflation lumen extending through the catheter. A deflation mechanism is disposed about the stiffening member and is configured to facilitate the flow of an inflation fluid through the interior volume of the balloon and towards the aperture.
Abstract:
An endoluminal centring catheter (1) comprises an outer layer of material (2) covering a core (3) which has spaced perforations (5) each of which connects with a longitudinal duct through which a pressurised fluid may be introduced. The outer layer (2) is bonded to the core (3) except at the areas around the perforations (5). In these areas a thin layer of easily releasable material is interposed which prevents the layer (2) from bonding to the core (3). When a pressurised fluid is introduced into the ducts there is a localised blister-like distension of the outer layer (2) in the zone around the aperture (5).
Abstract:
The invention relates to an active perfusion dilation catheter (1). More particularly, the invention relates to an active perfusion dilation catheter (1) comprising a catheter shaft (2) having proximal and distal portions and one or more inflation lumens (5) extending therethrough; an inflatable dilatation balloon (3) positioned external to the distal portion of the catheter shaft (2) and in fluid communication with an inflation lumen (5); an occlusion balloon (4) positioned external to the distal portion of the catheter shaft (2) and proximal to the dilatation balloon (3) in fluid communication with an inflation lumen (5); and a perfusion lumen (6) at the distal portion of the catheter shaft (2), the perfusion lumen (6) having proximal (7) and distal (8) openings, the proximal opening (7) being located proximal to the occlusion balloon (4) and the distal opening (8) being located distal to the inflation balloon (3).
Abstract:
An endoprosthesis (20) carried on a catheter can be inserted with the latter for example in a blood vessel up to its correct position, then implanted therein in its expanded position by radial expansion followed by fixation. The endoprosthesis may enclose under tension a section (15) of the catheter, so that it is held thereon in an essentially fixed manner in the axial direction, and is separated from the catheter by radial expansion during implantation. The endoprostheis may also be held in an essentially fixed manner in the axial direction on the catheter by mechanical means which become inoperative because of radial expansion after implantation or which may be removed after implantation, so that it becomes possible to draw back the catheter.