A stent loading and deployment device includes an outer elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and an inner elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. When the distal ends of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member are axially aligned, a stent deployment region is defined there in between. The device further includes a stent loading member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The distal end of the stent loading member is slidable to a distal position past the distal end of the outer tubular member for receiving a stent and is further slidable toward the proximal end of the outer tubular member to a location past the stent deployment region for disengagement of a stent from the stent loading member.

The present disclosure describes implantable medical devices comprising covers, such as a balloon cover. Such devices can comprise a first layer of a porous polymeric material, such as ePTFE, surrounded by layers of a porous polymeric material having an imbibed elastomer, such as polyurethane. The cover can be used to assist in deployment of an expandable implant, such as a stent-graft, within the body of the patient.

A diametrically adjustable endoprosthesis includes a controlled expansion element extending along at least a portion of a graft and is supported by a stent. The controlled expansion element diametrically constrains and limits expansion of the endoprosthesis. Upon deployment from a smaller, delivery configuration, the endoprosthesis can expand to the initial diameter set by the controlled expansion element. Thereafter, the endoprosthesis can be further diametrically expanded (e.g., using balloon dilation) by mechanically altering the controlled expansion element.

A tool (410) for use with an implant (20) includes a housing (426) and a controller (440). The housing includes a tubular wall (428) that circumscribes a longitudinal axis; is dimensioned to house at least part of the implant; and defines a track (430) that follows a generally-helical path around the longitudinal axis. The controller includes a rod (442) that extends from a proximal part of the tool to the housing; and an actuator (444). The actuator is fixedly coupled to the rod, includes an engaging element (446) that engages the track, and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The controller and the housing mechanically cooperate such that rotation of the actuator with respect to the housing slides the housing longitudinally with respect to the actuator. Other embodiments are also described.

A low profiled stent delivery system includes a balloon catheter with a balloon mounted at a first location, and a balloon expandable stent crimped about the balloon catheter at a second location. The stent expands from a crimped state to a less than fully expanded state responsive to movement of an auxiliary expander from a first configuration to a second configuration. An inner diameter of the stent in the less than fully expanded state is greater than an outer diameter of the balloon in a deflated state. After repositioning the balloon within the less than fully expanded state, the balloon is inflated to fully expand the stent.

An apparatus and methods tissue restoration are provided. The apparatus may include a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal tip and a translucent first distal balloon positioned on a translucent distal segment of the catheter shaft inside of and concentric with a second distal balloon proximal to the distal tip in fluid communication with a drug source via a first lumen, the first distal balloon may include first and second outer surfaces, and longitudinal and circumferential channels. A first light fiber and a second light fiber each positioned in the catheter shaft and extending through the translucent distal segment. The drug source provides at least one drug to the first distal balloon via the first lumen.

The disclosure features a method for removing a transcatheter heart valve from a heart in a patient by providing a removal device that deploys one or more transcatheter engagement elements to engage the transcatheter heart valve.

The present disclosure describes implantable medical devices comprising covers, such as a balloon cover. Such devices can comprise a first layer of a porous polymeric material, such as ePTFE, surrounded by layers of a porous polymeric material having an imbibed elastomer, such as polyurethane. The cover can be used to assist in deployment of an expandable implant, such as a stent-graft, within the body of the patient.

Described herein are implant delivery systems and methods for controllably deploying an expandable device in a ventricle, the left atrial appendage, or other portion of the heart of a patient. In some embodiments, the implant delivery system includes means for loosening or releasing a suture on a perimeter region of the expandable device in order to control the expansion or contraction of the expandable member. In some such embodiments, loosening or releasing the suture expands the perimeter region of the expandable device to secure the expandable device in the ventricle of the patient, while tightening the suture contracts the perimeter region of the device. The system may include one or more monitoring devices to monitor aspects of the heart, such as hemodynamics.

The present disclosure describes implantable medical devices comprising covers, such as a balloon cover. Such devices can comprise a first layer of a porous polymeric material, such as ePTFE, surrounded by layers of a porous polymeric material having an imbibed elastomer, such as polyurethane. The cover can be used to assist in deployment of an expandable implant, such as a stent-graft, within the body of the patient.