A catheter-based device for determining the radial expansion force required to displace an occlusion in a vessel located in a subject. The device comprises an elongate body defining proximal and distal termini. The body comprises a sheath that encloses a hollow lumen within, which extends along substantially the full length of the body. The proximal terminal region of the body comprises: a user-interfacing hub, the hub comprising a handle for maneuvering the body and configured for handling by an operator; a control interface for controlling the device; and a sensor configured to measure one or more parameters relevant to a force applied to the vessel by the device. The distal terminal region of the body comprises an expandable member movable between a retracted position, in which the expandable member is within the hollow lumen, and a deployed position, in which the expandable member is disposed beyond the distal terminus, and controllable via the control interface to expand radially. The expansion of the expandable member is correlated to a defined radial expansion force value.

Provided are a drug-loaded implantable medical instrument and a manufacturing method therefor. The drug-loaded implantable medical instrument (10) comprises an instrument body (100), a microporous membrane (200) fixed on the instrument body (100), and a nanocrystal medicament (300) loaded on the microporous membrane (200). A method for preparing a drug-loaded implantable medical device includes: providing a microporous membrane; loading a nanocrystalline drug on the microporous membrane; and fixing the microporous membrane loaded with the nanocrystalline drug to the device body.

Various embodiments of the systems, methods and devices are provided for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, an electrical arc is generated between two spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-filled balloon, creating a subsonic pressure wave. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a plurality of points that allow the electrical arc to form at any one of the plurality of points to, among other things, extend the electrode life.

Various embodiments of the systems, methods and devices are provided for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, an electrical arc is generated between two spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-filled balloon, creating a subsonic pressure wave. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a plurality of points that allow the electrical arc to form at any one of the plurality of points to, among other things, extend the electrode life.

Various embodiments of the systems, methods and devices are provided for breaking up calcified lesions in an anatomical conduit. More specifically, an electrical arc is generated between two spaced-apart electrodes disposed within a fluid-filled balloon, creating a subsonic pressure wave. In some embodiments, the electrodes comprise a plurality of points that allow the electrical arc to form at any one of the plurality of points to, among other things, extend the electrode life.

Filtration systems with integrated filter element(s) forming portions of the wall of the filtration catheter are disclosed. The filtration catheters disclosed herein are designed to be used alone or in conjunction with another filter device to provide embolic protection of both carotid arteries. Occlusive element such as balloon is placed on the exterior of the filtration catheter to redirect blood flow in the vessels during the filtration process as well as to help anchor the filtration catheter inside the vessel. The integrated filter element(s) does not require collapsing thus significantly reduces the complexity of the filtration system retrieval process and the chances of releasing emboli back into the blood stream. The compact design of the filtration systems makes them particularly suitable for embolic protection during endovascular procedures on or close to the heart.

A system and methods are described for improving the management of ischemic cardiac tissue during acute coronary syndromes. The system combines a catheter-based sub-system which allows for simultaneous balloon dilation of a coronary artery and infusion of a carefully controlled perfusate during percutaneous coronary intervention. The system allows for modulation of levels of oxygen at the time of percutaneous intervention. In addition, catheters and systems are provided for administration of fluids with modified oxygen content during an intervention that incorporate upstream flow control members to compartmentalize the perfusion of the target coronary artery and the remainder of the heart.

Methods and devices useful, for example, in the field of angioplasty and stenting are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods, devices and kits are configured for directional expansion inside a lumen, for example of a blood vessel obstructed by plaque. In some embodiments, the directional expansion displaces the plaque in a desired direction.

A multi-stage balloon catheter has a deflated state, a first inflation state at a first pressure and a second inflation state at a higher fluid pressure. In the first inflation state, the multi-stage balloon has a plurality of bulb segments separated by waist hoops that allow the multi-stage balloon to conform to match the curvature of a passageway. When pressure is increased in the multi-stage balloon from the first inflation state to the second inflation state, the waist locations expand either by breaking or stretching the waist restraints or by overcoming expansion resistance incorporated into the balloon material at the waist locations. The multi-stage balloon catheter may be used to implant a stent in a manner to conform and match a curved passageway rather than tending to straighten the passageway.

There is provided a microcatheter having a proximal solution lumen and a distal tip portion with a guidewire lumen. The microcatheter and methods of use thereof allows for introduction of solution into a vessel while manipulating the guidewire and/or the microcatheter itself. The solution may be a contrast solution, for viewing of the vessel, a therapeutic or diagnostic solution, or any other type of solution.