Abstract: A device for transluminal implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent. The device includes a central tube surrounded by an outer tube axially displaceable relative to the central tube, with the radial dimensions of the tubes being such as to form an annular space therebetween capable of accommodating the stent in an unexpanded state. The outer tube is axially displaceable relative to the central tube. In one embodiment of the device, the central tube, at a distal end thereof, is provided with a section of reduced diameter at the proximal end of which there is an undercut groove forming a circumferential flange within which a proximal end of the stent rests until release of the stent by rearward displacement of the outer tube. In a modification of the device, the central tube, at its distal end, includes a sleeve slidably positioned therearound for capturing at least a proximal portion of the stent restraining the proximal portion against movement until stent deployment.

Abstract: A prostatic stent and method of manufacture. The stent has an elongate body defining a passage therethrough and includes a distal section, a mid-section and a proximal section. The elongate body has a length sufficient to extend distally from a bladder neck to a position somewhat short of the external sphincter. The proximal section has a shape conforming to the neck of the urinary bladder.

Abstract: A device for transluminal implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible stent. The device includes a central tube surrounded by an outer tube axially displaceable relative to the central tube, with the radial dimensions of the tubes being such as to form an annular space therebetween capable of accommodating the stent in an unexpanded state. The outer tube is axially displaceable relative to the central tube. In one embodiment of the device, the central tube, at a distal end thereof, is provided with a section of reduced diameter at the proximal end of which there is an undercut groove forming a circumferential flange within which a proximal end of the stent rests until release of the stent by rearward displacement of the outer tube. In a modification of the device, the central tube, at its distal end, includes a sleeve slidably positioned therearound for capturing at least a proximal portion of the stent restraining the proximal portion against movement until stent deployment.

Abstract: A resilient, elastic self-expanding prosthesis comprising a flexible tubular body, the diameter of which is variable under axial movement of the ends of the body relative to each other, said body being composed of several individual rigid but resiliently flexible thread elements with spring properties each of which extends in helix configuration with the center line of the body as a common axis, a number of elements having same direction of winding but being axially displaced relative to each other crossing a number of elements also axially displaced relative to each other but having the opposite direction of winding to form a braided structure, characterized in that the residual tension of the thread elements as they form the structural elements of the tubular body, at least at the end sections thereof, is such that the diameter of the unloaded helix-shaped thread element, at least at the end sections thereof, when removed from the other elements forming the tubular body is not more than about 60% and prefer

Abstract: A device for transluminal implantation or extraction of a substantially tubular, radially selfexpanding stent (27), comprising a central tube (3) surrounded by an exterior tube (5) axially displaceable relative to the central tube (3), and a plurality of axially extending spring members (21) attached to the outer surface of said central tube (3) at the distal end thereof, said members being substantially evenly distributed around the periphery of said tube and capable of outward springing action of their front ends when retracting said exterior tube (5) from the distal end of said central tube (3).

Abstract: A device for implantation by insertion into a difficulty accessible location of a substantially tubular, radially expandable prosthesis including in combination such prosthesis and concentric therewith a flexible probe provided with an arrangement for maintaining said prosthesis in a radially contracted state and for releasing same at the desired location. The arrangement includes a hose concentrically surrounding the probe and radially surrounding the prosthesis to form a compartment therefor. The probe has a central axial channel enabling supply of a liquid flushing medium at its other end and the probe is provided with at least one radial aperture opening into the prosthesis compartment to enable flushing of the prosthesis compartment to remove gases therefrom before implantation.

Abstract: A device for transluminal implantation of a substantially tubular, radially expansible prosthesis (2), comprising in combination such prosthesis (2) and concentric therewith a flexible probe (1) with means (200) for maintaining said prosthesis (2) in a radially contracted state and for releasing same at the desired location, said means for maintaining and releasing the prothesis comprising a hose (5) concentrically surrounding said probe (1), one end of said hose being connected to the probe (1), and the hose (5) being folded inside itself to form a double-walled section (51, 52) radially surrounding the prothesis (2), the latter being releasable by axial relative movement of the ends of the hose, characterized by inflatable balloon means (30) positioned between said probe (1) and said prosthesis (2) and substantially coextensive with the latter, whereby after releasing the prosthesis at the desired location in the lumen controlled expansion of the prosthesis and the surrounding lumen wall can be achieved by

Abstract: A method of producing a mono- or multilayered prosthesis material for use with a living body, the material showing mechanical compliance vis-a-vis soft body tissue and possessing biocompatibility, the method comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a polymer solution using a mixed solvent, the solution being near its precipitation point;(b) coating a substrate and precipitating thereon the polymer to form a physically stable porous structure by evaporating at least part of the solvent fraction of the mixed solvent;and the multilayered prosthesis material prepared by the method.

Abstract: There is provided a device for inserting an object in the form of a helical spring element with a radially variable configuration into a space which is difficult to access, particularly for medicinal use in implanting such an object in a living organism, which device includes an elongate probe, having at its insertion end a mandrel coaxial with the probe, the mandrel carrying two axially separate fasteners for the respective ends of the element, the fasteners being mutually, relatively rotatable about the axis of the mandrel for permitting the spring element to be wound tightly round the mandrel while the radial configuration of said element contracts, before insertion into the space. The fasteners are mutually connected by a transmission in the area of the mandrel.

Abstract: A planar blank is provided which permits the manufacture of a coil spring suitable for implantation. The blank has an elongated, essentially straight mid section which at its ends passes over into sections that are bent in the plane of the blank in opposite directions to form a blank having Z-shape. A coil spring made from the blank (in which the spring material as seen in cross section has radially flattened shape) at its ends has a lower pitch than the mid section or no pitch at all.

Abstract: A device and method for implantation of a prosthesis provides for insertion of the prosthesis in a location which is difficult to access. The prosthesis is held in a radially contracted state by the device. An expandable chamber within the device permits relative movements between elements of the devices as to permit the prosthesis to be inserted and radially expanded in the location.

Abstract: Device comprising a helically shaped spiral spring and means for bringing the spring to expand from a first state of a certain diameter to a second state of larger diameter and vice versa, characterized thereby that said means are arranged to rotate the ends of the spring relative to each other with maintained length of the spring so that the transition from said first state to said second state takes place by reducing the number of spring turns within said length and the corresponding increase of the pitch of the spring, or to supply to a given length of the spring further spring material at at least one end of the said length of the spring so that the transition from said first state to said second state takes place independent of pitch and number of spring turns within the said length; and a method for transluminal implantation of an intravascular prosthesis using the said device.