Abstract: The present invention provides valve prostheses adapted to be initially crimped in a narrow configuration suitable for catheterization through body ducts to a target location and adapted to be deployed by exerting substantially radial forces from within by means of a deployment device to a deployed state in the target location.

Abstract: A device has been developed to augment the rotator cuff tendon tissue as it proceeds in healing. The device has two purposes: to provide initial stability to the rotator cuff repair site to allow early mobilization of the upper extremity of the patient, and to allow for reinforcement of rotator cuff tendon repairs to increase the likelihood of successful rotator cuff tendon repairs. The device consists of an inter-connected, open pore structure that enables even and random distribution and in-growth of tendon cells. The braided structure allows for distribution of mechanical forces over a larger area of tissue at the fixation point(s).

Abstract: A method and system for repairing a defect area in a surface of a joint include providing a mold having a first surface and a second surface, positioning the mold within the joint such that at least part of the mold first surface overlies the defect area, and depositing a repair material under the mold first surface within the defect area to create a repaired site within the joint.

Abstract: A bidirectional twistable stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a cylinder-shaped stent body having a plurality of axially arranged rows of struts encircling a central lumen and a plurality of flex connectors that connect at least two adjacent rows of struts in such a manner that allows the stent to be twisted clockwise or counter clockwise without causing deformation of any struts in the stent body. Also disclosed are the method of making the stent, method of using the stent, and a kit containing the stent.

Abstract: A leaflet for a prosthetic valve formed of at least one layer that includes a composite material containing at least one expanded fluoropolymer membrane having serpentine fibrils and an elastomer is provided. The fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene. In at least one embodiment, the elastic properties are present in an axial direction the leaflet. The leaflets may be single layered or multi-layered. The leaflets may be coupled to a support structure and movable between open and closed configurations relative to the support structure to form a heart valve. The elasticity within the leaflets permits, among other things, the leaflets to bend with a reduced occurrence of wrinkles as the valve opens and closes. The elastic properties of the leaflet also, among other things, improve bending properties and reduce closure stresses, thereby extending the life of the leaflet.

Abstract: An intravascular implant and methods of using the implant within the vasculature of the body, for example near a vascular aneurysm, are disclosed. A method of treating an aneurysm includes positioning a vascular graft comprising a tubular channel having a first end and a second end in a blood vessel, securing the vascular graft in place with an expandable anchoring member, and filling a seal cuff on the vascular graft, wherein the seal cuff extends radially outward beyond an exterior surface of the vascular graft, wherein the seal cuff comprises a first seal portion and a second seal portion and wherein the first seal portion is separated from the second seal portion by a first gap and a second gap along a circumference of the seal cuff.

Abstract: A special tube is disclosed for the insertion of materials inside the maxillary sinus in order to displace the Schneiderian membrane. The tube is connected to a source of a flowable material. The tube is inserted through the alveolar ridge beneath the maxillary sinus and when the flowable material is advanced through the tube the Schneiderian membrane is lifted. The tube can be part of a dental implant which is screwed inside the alveolar ridge.

Abstract: This application describes a spinal fixation system. The spinal fixation system includes at least a rod member having shaped ends, at least two pedicle screws capable of receiving the shaped ends of the rod member, and a system for introducing the rod member and pedicle screws in a minimally invasive fashion.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, for example a stent, having a basic mesh composed of an at least predominantly biodegradable material, and a coating provided on the biodegradable material is proposed. For better control of the degradation the basic mesh is essentially completely covered by a coating which contains parylene, preferably at least predominantly parylene, particularly preferably parylene C or parylene N, and the basic mesh is essentially completely covered by the coating, whereby the thickness of the coating is between approximately 0.1 ?m and approximately 10 ?m, preferably between approximately 0.4 ?m and approximately 7 ?m, particularly preferably between approximately 1 ?m and approximately 5 ?m. Also proposed is a method for manufacturing such an endoprosthesis.

Abstract: An orthopedic device for implanting between adjacent vertebrae comprising: an arcuate balloon and a hardenable material within said balloon. In some embodiments, the balloon has a footprint that substantially corresponds to a perimeter of a vertebral endplate. An inflatable device is inserted through a cannula into an intervertebral space and oriented so that, upon expansion, a natural angle between vertebrae will be at least partially restored. At least one component selected from the group consisting of a load-bearing component and an osteobiologic component is directed into the inflatable device through a fluid communication means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ligament reconstruction provides an implant configured to position ligaments in the anatomic positions to thereby to restore the native anatomy and function of the reconstructed area. The implant includes a sheath, a first ledge, a second ledge, a first anchor and a second anchor. The sheath has an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface of the sheath forms a lumen configured to receive a sheath expander. The first ledge and the second are configured to separate the ligaments and acts as an anchor for the sheath in the bone tunnel. The first anchor and the second anchor are configured to engage the ligaments and be expandable outwards away from the lumen to provide fixation in a bone tunnel. When the implant receives the sheath expander, the ligaments can be separated, positioned, and secured in the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A stent combined with a positioning apparatus to effectively place the stent at a precise deployment site within a narrowed vascular region such as an artery. The stent is maneuvered through the vessel and is guided by a guiding catheter up the vessel to where the narrowing is located. Upon exiting the guiding catheter and approaching the deployment site within the coronary artery, a deployment site locator expands to contact the vascular structure and, thereby, effectively position the stent at the deployment site within the narrowed vessel. This system apparatus and method is particularly useful for stent placement at an ostium (origin) of a vessel.

Abstract: Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by undulating links. The stent has a high degree of flexibility in the longitudinal direction, yet has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. The stent can be compressed or crimped onto a catheter to a very low profile since the peaks that are adjacent the curved portion of the undulating link are shorter than other peaks in the same cylindrical ring to prevent overlap yet still achieve a very low profile, tightly crimped stent onto a catheter.

Abstract: A stent includes a first section and a second section. The second section is aligned with the first section along a longitudinal axis of the stent. Each section includes a plurality of expandable modules and a plurality of bridging modules. Each expandable module includes a plurality of strut elements that join together at a plurality of apices. Each bridging module includes bridging elements that connect an apex of a first module with an apex of a second module. The plurality of expandable modules or the plurality of bridging modules in the first section are more radially stiff than the plurality of expandable modules or the plurality of bridging modules in the second section such that at least a portion of the first section is configured to be placed in a region of a vein subjected to physiologic compression.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve is provided for implantation in a stenosed aortic valve. The prosthetic valve includes a radially collapsible frame configured for advancement through a patient's vasculature using a catheterization technique. A collapsible valvular structure is sewn to the frame for permitting blood to flow in only one direction. An internal cover extends along an internal surface of the frame. The internal cover forms a tubular sleeve positioned between a lower extremity of the frame and the valvular structure. The internal cover prevents the passage of blood through spaces between bars of the frame. An upper end of the internal cover is sutured to the valvular structure. The internal cover is preferably made of pericardium.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for nipple and breast formation are described where devices precondition or expand a target nipple tissue to reduce the pressure exerted by the skin on an eventual implant. Generally, the apparatus comprises a mold having a contact surface which is curved in conformance with a breast upon which the mold is positionable, the contact surface having an adhesive for securement upon the breast, and the mold defining a cavity along the contact surface which conforms to a size of a nipple to be formed upon the breast and where the cavity further comprises the adhesive for securement to the nipple. A breast enlargement device comprises a cup larger than the target breast and further defines an inner surface which adheres to the breast when contacted.

Abstract: An intravascular implant and methods of using the implant within the vasculature of the body, for example near a vascular aneurysm, are disclosed. The method of attaching a second implant, such as a vascular graft, to the intravascular implant is also disclosed. The implant can be made from an anchor, a connector and a seal.

Abstract: Provided herein is a tissue stretching device including a tissue clamping member defining an area in a Z plane, wherein the tissue clamping member is configured to hold tissue parallel to the Z plane. Methods of use of the tissue stretching device to stretch a tissue as well as for culturing organized tissues are also provided. Stretched and/or cultured tissues produced by these processes are also provided, as well as methods of treatment making use of the same.

Abstract: A volar fixation system includes a plate intended to be positioned against the volar side of the radial bone. The plate includes threaded holes for receiving fasteners which lock relative to the plate.