Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by use of a distal element comprising an expandable mesh. a treatment device includes an elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to be positioned within a blood vessel at a treatment site at or near a thrombus. A distal element comprising an expandable mesh is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member via a connection assembly. In an expanded state, at least a portion of the mesh is configured to be in apposition with the blood vessel wall at the treatment site to anchor or stabilize the elongated member with respect to the blood vessel. The distal element can be electrically coupled to an extracorporeal current generator.

Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. An implant is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA. The implant includes a conformable structure comprising a foam body and internal support. The support includes anchors that penetrate the foam body and anchor the implant to the walls of the LAA. The implant provides compliance such that it conforms to the native configuration of the LAA.

The present invention provides a catheter for treating occlusions in blood vessels. An exemplary catheter for treating occlusions in blood vessels comprises a tubular inner member including a base segment with a first lumen defining a fluid inlet port, and a second lumen defining a fluid outlet port. An extension segment is distal to the base segment. The extension segment has a reduced cross-section. An emitter assembly includes a first insulated wire extending through the second lumen and a second insulated wire, and a conductive sheath wrapped circumferentially around the first insulated wire, the second insulated wire, and the extension segment. A cap or balloon is sealably attached to the distal end of the catheter and surrounds the emitter assembly, said cap or balloon being fillable with conductive fluid.

A balloon sheath and associated methods are provided. An alternative embodiment comprising a sheath having a flaring end and associated methods are also provided.

Apparatus, including a guidewire, having a distal end dimensioned to penetrate into a nasal sinus and a balloon, which is fitted over the guidewire in proximity to the distal end. There is an inflation channel, which runs along the guidewire and is coupled to convey a pressurized fluid into the balloon so as to inflate the balloon. The apparatus also includes a first electrode, fixedly attached to a distal tip of the guidewire, and a second electrode, fixedly attached to the guidewire at a location proximal to the distal tip. There are conductive leads running along the guidewire and coupled to apply an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes.

Systems and methods for removal of clot material from vessel lumens are disclosed. A medical device assembly can include a catheter having a lumen and a distal portion configured to be positioned at or adjacent a treatment site within a vessel. An expandable member has a first portion coupled to the distal portion of the catheter, and a second portion extending away from the catheter distal portion. An elongate shaft extends through the lumen of the catheter, and the second portion of the expandable member is releasably coupled to the shaft. When the shaft is slidably moved relative to the surrounding catheter, the second portion of the expandable member can be released from the shaft, and the shaft can be withdrawn or removed.

Devices and methods for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. A foam implant encapsulated with a tough thromboresistent membrane is placed via transvascular means into the LAA and anchored with adhesives and/or mechanical anchors. Tissue over- and in-growth are optimized to anchor the implant in place and provide a permanent occlusion.

An intravascular device for providing feedback to an operator during use and methods of providing the same as disclosed. A catheter tube extends from a handle assembly. An expandable portion is connected to the catheter tube and is selectively movable between a first position and an expanded position. A feedback device provided at the expandable portion provides the operator with the feedback.

A connecting device is provided for connecting a pipe or tube-shaped element to the heart or a blood vessel of a patient, comprising a suture ring that has an opening, which can be closed by means of a closure element and through which said pipe or tube-shaped element is guided in the axial direction. The closure element is secured to the suture ring by means of at least one elastic securing element. A radially-expandable sealing element can also be provided in order to establish a sealing placement of the closure element against the suture ring.

Apparatus, including a guidewire, having a distal end dimensioned to penetrate into a nasal sinus and a balloon, which is fitted over the guidewire in proximity to the distal end. There is an inflation channel, which runs along the guidewire and is coupled to convey a pressurized fluid into the balloon so as to inflate the balloon. The apparatus also includes a first electrode, fixedly attached to a distal tip of the guidewire, and a second electrode, fixedly attached to the guidewire at a location proximal to the distal tip. There are conductive leads running along the guidewire and coupled to apply an electrical potential between the first and second electrodes.