A catheter control system may include a containment structure, a sensor coupled to the containment structure, and a plurality of actuators coupled to the containment structure. The containment structure may define a lumen configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the lumen. The sensor may be configured to detect a current position and/or orientation of the containment structure. Each of the actuators may be associated with at least one respective opening of the plurality of openings and configured to regulate fluid flow through the at least one respective opening.

Catheter including an inner tubular member, an outer tubular member movable relative to the inner tubular member, and a movable tubular structure coupled to the outer tubular member. A medical device disposed about a distal end portion of the inner tubular member. A proximal stopper is provided having a distal end and disposed proximal to a proximal end of the movable tubular structure. The distal end of the proximal stopper is spaced from the proximal end of the movable tubular structure at least a longitudinal length dimension of the medical device, wherein the outer tubular member and the movable tubular structure are movable in a proximal direction up to engagement of the proximal stopper to deploy the medical device from the inner tubular member.

A medical device including a catheter body, a first elongate body, and a service loop ring. The catheter body has a catheter shaft. The first elongate body extends through at least part of the catheter shaft and is configured to move longitudinally in the catheter shaft. The first elongate body is looped through the service loop ring to form a service loop configured to expand and contract as the first elongate body moves longitudinally in the catheter shaft.

Retraction and aspiration devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward an apparatus for use with a catheter system configured to enable intravascular delivery of an interventional device to a treatment site in a blood vessel. The apparatus can include a housing configured to be releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the catheter system and an actuation mechanism coupled to the housing. The actuation mechanism can include a lever movably coupled to the housing, a locking portion configured to engage a portion of the catheter system, and a pressure source coupled to the housing and the actuation mechanism. Movement of the lever simultaneously activates the pressure source to generate pressure, and moves the locking portion to engage and retract at least a portion of the catheter system.

Described herein are apparatus, compositions, systems and associated methods to occlude structures and malformations of the vasculature with radiopaque hydrogel filaments with delayed controlled rates of expansion. Further described is a device for implantation in an animal comprising a difunctional, low molecular weight ethylenically unsaturated shapeable macromer; an ethylenically unsaturated monomer; and a radiopaque element, wherein said device contains no support members. Methods of forming such devices are also disclosed.

A catheter control system may include a containment structure, a sensor coupled to the containment structure, and a plurality of actuators coupled to the containment structure. The containment structure may define a lumen configured to allow a fluid to flow therethrough, and a plurality of openings in fluid communication with the lumen. The sensor may be configured to detect a current position and/or orientation of the containment structure. Each of the actuators may be associated with at least one respective opening of the plurality of openings and configured to regulate fluid flow through the at least one respective opening.

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus comprising an elongated carrier adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract lumen; a piston head, coupled to a distal portion of the carrier, and configured to: be inflated so as to form and maintain a pressure seal with a wall of the GI tract lumen, and be advanced distally through the GI tract in response to pressure from a fluid pressure source; a distal balloon coupled to the carrier distal to the piston head and configured and operable to be inflated so as to dilate the lumen thereby creating a working space; and a control unit, configured and operable to control simultaneously a pressure level within the piston head and a pressure level within the distal balloon. The control comprises maintaining a constant level of pressure within the piston head thereby maintaining said pressure seal and cyclically modulating the level of pressure within the distal balloon facilitating the distal advancement of the piston head within the GI tract lumen.

Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same with an alignment element for stability and anti-rotation of the everting balloon are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and deliver instruments, media, or other catheters into bodily lumens and cavities. The alignment element eliminates the potential for the everting membrane to become twisted or rotated which could impact access or the ability of the system to deliver materials. A compliance member facilitates internal pressurization of the everting catheter system.

A tubular structure having variable support includes a tubular member and a structural support member with a flexible tubular member over the structural support member, such that the flexible tubular member can engage and disengage or squeeze and release the structural support member. The structural support member can be a tubular mesh, stent, framework, skeleton, braid or other flexible framework. A fluid passage can be used to inflate and deflate the flexible tubular member. Methods of assembly and methods of use are also described.

A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.