Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, it is an objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a stent that is easily installed, yet removable. Moreover, the stent does not cause material infections and has the capacity to reduce infection. Therefore, a principal objective of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention is to provide a prosthesis that is suitable for both permanent and temporary use while being easy to insert, reposition and remove. This prosthesis is also suitable for targeted delivery of antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a delivery system and novel handle configuration for the delivery system that facilitates repeatable placement of implantable devices. In particular, in optical embodiments, the handle allows for the reversible coupling of scopes directly to the handle to enhance physician control during placement. The delivery system also allows for one-handed manipulation as finger action can be used to engage and disengage the scope as well as actuate the extent of implantable device deployment. Exemplary delivery systems are flexible, durable and/or assure proper installation of one or more implantable devices in a single procedure. Moreover, the preferred embodiments of the delivery system provides for the reloading of the delivery device with additional implantable devices for additional interventional procedures, resulting in a substantially reusable delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, a principal objective in accordance with the present invention is to provide a family of stents where the relative hardness/softness of regions of the stent can differ from other regions of the stent to provide additional patient comfort and resistance to radial forces. An exemplary embodiment also provides a family of stents with novel interstice configurations that facilitate flexibility, durability and/or proper installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to removable, essentially cylindrical implants which are characterized in that they can be reduced in diameter and are wrapped once or several times at one or more levels by one or more elastic, thin wire-shaped structure(s) (2a, 2b) which include(s) a catch device (3a, 3b) at least on one end thereof.

Abstract: A lumen measuring device generally includes a central member dimensioned to extend into a lumen and an elongate outer member having a flexible region configured to flex outward from the central member in response to retraction of the central member. In measuring a lumen, the flexible region is caused to contact the lumen. The lumen may be contacted by linear segments that hinge or by members that bow arcuately. A polygon, such as a triangle, may be defined by portions of the outer member and the central member. A handle assembly may be provided by which the disposition of the central member relative to the outer member may be adjusted. Indicators may be defined by the central member and outer member by which the disposition of the central member and by which the diameter of a lumen may be determined.