Abstract: A stent has a tubular flexible body with a wall formed of a web structure. The web structure has a plurality of neighboring web patterns which include webs arranged side by side. The web patterns are interconnected via at least one connection element. To prevent the connection element from moving out of the plane of the wall during expansion, the connection elements are each provided with connection webs arranged at an angle relative to one another and interconnected via hinges.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for neutron capture therapy are disclosed, which may beneficially be used to counteract restenosis. An improved stent and a method for manufacturing the stent are also presented. The stent comprises a stable nuclide having a large neutron capture cross-section. When a clinical need exists for radiation therapy, the stent is irradiated with thermal neutrons, thereby giving rise to radiation in the proximity of the stent to a therapeutic benefit. Since radiation is applied by an external source, it can be delivered at any time after placement of the stent and easily can be repeated. The stent only contains stable nuclides and therefore can be handled without the precautions needed when handling radioactive matter.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing pushability and minimizing kinking of a balloon catheter is provided, wherein a catheter comprises inner and outer tubes, and a balloon that is proximally affixed to the outer tube and distally affixed to the inner tube. The outer tube extends distal to the proximal affixation point and at least partially into the balloon segment to provide additional stiffness and pushability. The outer tube may taper and connect to the inner tube or to radiopaque markers disposed thereon. The outer tube further may be selectively reinforced, as by using multipart construction or using different tube textures, to selectively provide added stiffness in areas susceptible to kinking.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus for neutron capture therapy are provided that may beneficially be used to counteract restenosis wherein a stent comprises a stable nuclide having a large neutron capture cross-section that may be irradiated with thermal neutrons applied by an external source, after placement of the stent, thereby giving rise to therapeutic radiation in the proximity of the stent. Because the stent only contains stable nuclides, it can be handled without the precautions needed when handling radioactive matter. An improved stent and a method for manufacturing the stent also are provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing pushability and minimizing kinking of a balloon catheter is provided, wherein a catheter comprises inner and outer tubes, and a balloon that is proximally affixed to the outer tube and distally affixed to the inner tube. The outer tube extends distal to the proximal affixation point and at least partially into the balloon segment to provide additional stiffness and pushability. The outer tube may taper and connect to the inner tube or to radiopaque markers disposed thereon. The outer tube further may be selectively reinforced, as by using multipart construction or using different tube textures, to selectively provide added stiffness in areas susceptible to kinking.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing pushability and minimizing kinking of a balloon catheter is provided, wherein a catheter comprises inner and outer tubes, and a balloon that is proximally affixed to the outer tube and distally affixed to the inner tube. The outer tube extends distal to the proximal affixation point and at least partially into the balloon segment to provide additional stiffness and pushability. The outer tube may taper and connect to the inner tube or to radiopaque markers disposed thereon. The outer tube further may be selectively reinforced, as by using multipart construction or using different tube textures, to selectively provide added stiffness in areas susceptible to kinking.

Abstract: A method of making a stent delivery system is provided in which a delivery catheter has a balloon that extends non-uniformly into interstices of a stent. In accordance with the method a balloon/stent/crimping tube assembly is placed in a crimping tool, the balloon is inflated, and the crimping tool is actuated to compress the stent on the outside of the balloon without application of heat or chemicals, thereby causing creases of the balloon to extend non-uniformly into the interstices of the stent. Optionally, pillows may be formed in the balloon to prevent longitudinal movement of the stent with respect to the balloon during intravascular delivery. One or more secondary crimpings also may be performed to achieve a smoother delivery profile.