Scimed Life Systems, Inc.

Other

Survivalink Corporation

Sew-Wah Tay

Thomas J Holman

Lixiao Wang

Roger Noel Hastings

Peter Trexler Keith

Paul J Buscemi

Kemal Schankereli

Scott P Thome

William F Kratoska

Hans G Mische

Andrew G Richardson

The present invention comprises a method and device for providing an expandable introducer sheath. The method of employing the inventive device comprises inserting an elongate flexible tubular sheath into a vessel (with a proximal end of the sheath extending proximally outward through the skin), to slidably receive intravascular devices. When a larger size introducer sheath is desired, the sheath is manipulated while still in the vessel to expand its inner diameter to a larger size. In one embodiment, the sheath is made of a shape-memory polymer and is manipulated by inserting a heated mandrel (with an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the sheath) within the sheath to cause the sheath to expand to an inner diameter at least approximately equal to an outer diameter of the mandrel. The shape-memory polymer material ensures that the sheath will retain its expanded inner diameter. Alternatively, the sheath is formed from a telescoping multi-tubular arrangement of progressively larger tubes. In any case, insertion of the inventive sheath into the skin requires only a single small puncture which is then only expanded as needed while the sheath remains in place.

Expandable introducer sheath

The invention provides a sealed package system for housing at least two medical electrode devices and for enabling the periodic testing thereof, comprising a thin, generally flat flexible envelope constructed and arranged to form an interior cavity for enclosing a conductive gel contact surface of each of the electrode devices. A conductive liner is disposed between conductive gel contact surface of each of the electrode devices.

Medical electrode packaging technology

An apparatus for closing and sealing a vascular puncture is connected to an energy supply such that heat is generated in, or thermally conducted to, the tissue, thereby thermally fusing the vascular tissue together. The method for closing and sealing a vascular puncture comprises applying radio frequency or other energy to the tissue, the energy being sufficient to thermally fuse the tissue together, thus sealing the puncture. Embodiments of depth finding and guiding devices, as well as blood vessel occluders, are also disclosed.

Apparatus and method for sealing vascular punctures

A temporary stent comprises a coil of tubular thermoplastic material and a heating element inside the tubular material, or a film with a metal film resistive heating element coated thereon. A method of temporarily supporting the wall of a vessel comprises the steps of inserting a thermoplastic body having a first outer dimension less than the inside dimension of the vessel into the vessel to the desired support position; heating the thermoplastic above its softening transition temperature and expanding it to a second outer dimension larger than its first outer dimension; cooling the thermoplastic body to below its softening transition temperature while at its second outer dimension; allowing the cooled thermoplastic body to temporarily support the vessel; heating the thermoplastic above its softening transition temperature to soften the thermoplastic; and removing the softened thermoplastic body from the vessel.

Method for delivering drugs to a vascular site

Temporary stent and method of use

The needle assembly of the present invention includes a rigid cannula with a blunt distal end, a needle housed inside the cannula, a hub on the needle for controlling the position of the distal end of the needle with respect to the distal end of the cannula and a stop connected to the cannula for limiting the distance of travel of the distal end of the needle. The preferred embodiment may also include a spring attached to the needle hub. The present invention also encompasses methods of using the needle assembly.

Self-sticking needle assembly and method for insertion into an artery

Growing community of inventors

Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Sew-Wah Tay