Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of nonstenotic carotid plaques and symptomatic nonstenotic carotid disease (SyNC) are described. In particular, methods of evaluating the presence of unstable plaque/thrombus and methods of treatment that include deploying plaque stabilizers (PSs) into the cerebral vasculature are described. The invention further describes plaque stabilizers, uses of plaque stabilizers and plaque stabilizer kits.

Catheter based systems for isolated stenting of an intravascular lesion can include two expandable occlusion devices with a balloon expandable stent or self-expanding stent therebetween. Expandable occlusion devices can be expanded in a distal direction and a proximal direction in relation to the lesion to occlude vasculature. A treatment agent can be injected into a cavity formed between the expandable occlusion device. A coating can be applied to one or both occlusion devices to prevent adherence to the treatment agent. The stent can be deployed across the lesion while the occlusion devices are in place. Fragments dislodged during stenting can be aspirated.

A system for extracting plaque from a cavity of a vasculature can include a balloon guide catheter (BGC) and an adjustable plaque displacement apparatus. The BGC can include a BGC distal end, an expandable proximal balloon, an inflation lumen extending through the BGC and including a first opening. The BGC can further include a device delivery lumen and a second opening positioned distal to the expandable proximal balloon. Also, the BGC can include an inner tube extending through the device delivery lumen. The inner tube can include a tube distal end, an expandable distal occlusion element positioned approximate the tube distal end and movable to exit the second opening. Turning to the adjustable plaque displacement apparatus, the adjustable plaque displacement apparatus can be positioned within the device delivery lumen and movable in at least one of a longitudinal and rotational direction in relation to the BGC.

Catheter based systems for isolated stenting of an intravascular lesion can include two expandable occlusion devices with a balloon expandable stent therebetween. Expandable occlusion devices can be expanded in a distal direction and a proximal direction in relation to the lesion to occlude vasculature. One or both of the occlusion devices can include a fluid impermeable membrane to occlude blood flow. The stent can be deployed across the lesion while the occlusion devices are in place. Fragments dislodged during stenting can be aspirated.

Catheter based systems for isolated stenting of an intravascular lesion can include two expandable occlusion devices with a self-expanding stent or a balloon expandable stent therebetween. Expandable occlusion devices can be expanded in a distal direction and a proximal direction in relation to the lesion to occlude vasculature. The stent can be deployed across a lesion while the occlusion devices are in place. One or both of the occlusion devices can include a fluid impermeable membrane to occlude blood flow. One or both of the occlusion devices and the stent can be surrounded by a sheath. The sheath can be retracted to allow one or both of the occlusion devices and the self-expanding stent to self-expand. Fragments dislodged from the lesion during stenting can be aspirated.

A device for emptying stool from the rectum of a patient by means of a shaft body which is introduced into the bowel via the anus and is able to buckle or fold axially and radially, and which is provided with a dumbbell- or hourglass-shaped balloon body for assuring the transanal positioning of the device. The invention is further characterized by the special design of and choice of material for the shaft body and the balloon envelope and by the specific positioning of the balloon body on the shaft body, wherein the axial deflection of the free forward end of the shaft body is limited or an uncontrolled deflection of the shaft is prevented, and the probability of perforation of the bowel wall under the effect of force acting on the shaft body from an axial direction is therefore decisively reduced by the intestinal tube described according to the invention.

Apparatus for accessing a body lumen or a body cavity, the apparatus comprising: a hollow shaft having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumen of the hollow shaft is configured to receive an endoscope, and further wherein the distal end of the hollow shaft comprises a movable portion which is configured to be moved between (i) a straight configuration in which the movable portion is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft, and (ii) a curved configuration in which the movable portion is curved relative to the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft, whereby to bend the endoscope disposed within the lumen of the hollow shaft; a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the lumen of the sleeve is configured to receive the hollow shaft and the endoscope disposed therein; an aft balloon mounted to the sleeve; a pair of push tubes slidably mounted to the sleeve; and a fore balloon mounted to the distal ends of the pair of push tubes, such that the fore balloon can be moved relative to the aft balloon.

An intravascular balloon catheter device for treating various size stenosed regions within a blood vessel is provided. A clamp located within a body of a handle assembly is movable between a clamped and unclamped position by way of a button. When clamped, an outer member is secured relative to a sheath to as to expose a portion of a balloon located on a distal end of the outer member. The portion of the balloon remaining within the sheath is restricted from inflation beyond the sheath.

A balloon device for treating a calcified structure of a body tissue, including an elongated body extending between a proximal end and a distal end and having at least one lumen extending along at least a portion thereof and defining a fluid path, and at least one inflatable balloon secured to the elongated body and fluidly connected to the at least one lumen, with the at least one lumen being fluidly connectable to a fluid source for selectively inflating and deflating the at least one inflatable balloon, and with the at least one inflatable balloon, when being inflated, is positioned in close proximity to the calcified structure and vibrating, mechanical vibrations of the at least one inflatable balloon causes destructuration of the calcified structure.

A system for application of neurostimulation includes an outer sheath, an elongate inner member in the outer sheath and movable relative to the outer sheath. The inner lumen has a distal end. An expandable member is coupled to the distal end of the inner member and is in the outer sheath. The expandable member is self-expanding upon from a compressed state in the outer sheath to an expanded state out of the outer sheath. The expandable member includes a distal portion including a plurality of wires woven together and a proximal portion including the plurality of wires extending parallel to a longitudinal axis. The system includes a plurality of electrode assemblies outward of the expandable member and circumferentially spaced around the expandable member. Each electrode assembly is coupled to two of the wires extending parallel to the longitudinal axis. Each electrode assembly includes a plurality of longitudinally-spaced electrodes.