Abstract: A replacement heart valve device usable in a medical procedure in relation in heart valve replacement of a patient. In one embodiment, the replacement heart valve device includes a heart valve holder or conduit holder formed in the form of a cylindrical tube having a longitudinal cut substantially extending from one end to the other end of the cylindrical tube, and a conduit formed with a tubular segment of an elastic material. The conduit is mountable onto the heart valve holder or conduit holder or self-expanding stent. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the conduit is formed with a single layer of the elastic material. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the conduit is formed with two layers of the elastic material.

Abstract: Described is a set of at least two annuloplasty devices having a particular size that corresponds to an inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distance of a heart valve annulus, wherein the at least two annuloplasty devices have different anterior-posterior ratios. Also, described is a kit for annuloplasty repair of a heart valve annulus including a plurality of annuloplasty devices each comprising one of a plurality of different sizes, wherein the different sizes each correspond to a different inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distance of a heart valve annulus, and for each of the plurality of different sizes there are at least two devices each having the same size but having different anterior-posterior ratios. Additionally, a method of choosing an annuloplasty device for implantation in a valve annulus is described.

Abstract: The stent of the present invention combines a helical strut band interconnected by coil elements. This structure provides a combination of attributes that are desirable in a stent, such as, for example, substantial flexibility, stability in supporting a vessel lumen, cell size and radial strength. The structure of the stent of the present invention provides a predetermined geometric relationship between the helical strut band and interconnected coil elements in order to maintain connectivity at any diameter size state of the stent.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical devices comprising shape memory alloys which have been subjected to a thermal and mechanical treatment to increase the austenite start temperature As to As? such that the shape memory alloy is martensitic at body temperature and when subsequently subjected to a controlled deformation, the shape memory alloy preferentially reverts to the parent phase. The shape memory alloy comprises nickel, titanium and a ternary element, preferably 3 at. % to about 20 at. %. The ternary element is insoluble in a Ni—Ti matrix. In a preferred embodiment, the element is selected from the group consisting of niobium, tantalum and zirconium.

Abstract: An endoprosthesis includes a plurality of struts defining a flow passage. At least one strut includes (a) a body comprising a bioerodible material and having a thickness and (b) a coating overlying the body. The coating includes a plurality of regions that allow physiological fluids to contact a plurality of corresponding areas of the underlying body when the endoprosthesis is implanted in a physiological environment. The plurality of regions are sized and arranged so that the contacted areas of the body erode substantially through the body in the thickness direction while the coating remains on the body when the endoprosthesis is implanted in the physiological environment.

Abstract: Modular graft systems with conjoinable grafts comprising graft material with the system comprising a first and second graft prosthesis with mating ends, securing rods attached to one of the mating ends comprising at least one spike that juts from the securing rod. The other of the mating ends is double layered with graft material for receiving at least one spike in the first layer of graft material when the mating ends are conjoined.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to frames suitable for prosthetic implantable valves, and methods of treatment with such frames, to regulate blood flow and to be compliant in percutaneous delivery and, upon implantation, configured to conform to the changing shape of the body vessel or vein. The frames include at least one anchoring member attached to a support member at one or more attachments, and a valve member, preferably a monocuspid valve leaflet, attached to the support member. Preferred frames include two anchoring members with the support member in between the anchoring members. The support member preferably has a semielliptical shape and extends diagonally to sealingly contact the wall of the body vessel.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices fabricated from polymer/bioceramic composites with different types of bioceramic particles are disclosed. The plurality of bioceramic particles can include acidic particles and basic particles, the acidic particles and basic particles having different particle size distributions. The degradation of a selected type of particle can be reduced or prevented during a selected time frame by encapsulating some or all of the selected type of particles with a bioabsorbable polymer.

Abstract: A stent for delivering therapeutic agents to a body lumen includes a plurality of circumferential serpentine bands with each band comprising a plurality of struts. At least one strut has at least one first well region and at least one second well region. The at least one first well region has a first thickness, the at least one second well region has a second thickness, the first thickness being greater than the second thickness. Each well region defines a well having a depth. At least some of the wells contain a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Various embodiments of stents with a bioabsorbable body having a coating with a radiopaque layer are disclosed.

Abstract: An intraparietal reinforcing device is designed to be integrated into a biological valvular prosthesis consisting of a biological cardiac valve having a valve plane formed by leaflets attached laterally to an external wall along commissurae. The device can be placed in the organic tissue of the valve, and includes a base and a stabilizing part mounted thereon. The device can be inserted inside the external wall of the valve to reinforce the valve's structure and to maintain the valve's shape after implantation. The stabilizing part includes at least two intraparietal shafts, designed to be inserted into the valve tissue and positioned on the base so that, once the device is put in place on the valve, they are displaced laterally to the intersection point of the intersection line of the external wall with the commissurae and of the valve plane. A biological prosthesis may be provided with such a device.

Abstract: A bifurcated stent that uses turning segments to reduce the strain at regions which bend at extreme angles. The turning segments can be placed on side branch petals or on connectors connecting the petals to the stent body. Combining the turning segments with connectors of different length and tethers provides for a stent with high flexibility that can accommodate various shaped body vessels. This design allows the bifurcation branch to extend easily, to a useful distance, and to be deployed along oblique angles. Best of all, this design avoids the problems of angularly strained side branch.

Abstract: A method of delivering an agent into a bodily lumen, the method comprising: implanting an implantable medical device into a treatment site of a lumen, the device having an abluminal face and a luminal face, wherein the device includes depots that extend from an open end at a luminal face to an open end at an abluminal face; and introducing an agent into the open end of the depots at the luminal face such that the agent is delivered to the treatment site through the open end at the abluminal face.

Abstract: A replacement prosthetic heart valve for engagement with a structure of a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, the replacement heart valve including a stent structure and at least two leaflets attached within the interior area of a tubular body portion of the stent structure. The stent structure includes a generally tubular body portion having an interior area, at least two upper flange portions for positioning at an outflow end of the previously implanted heart valve, wherein the upper flange portions extend radially outward from the tubular body portion and are biased toward an inflow end of the replacement heart valve, and at least one lower flange portion for positioning at an inflow end of the previously implanted heart valve, wherein the lower flange portions extend radially outward from the tubular body portion and are biased toward an outflow end of the replacement heart valve.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to implantable prosthetic valves comprising support frames. The support frames may include a plurality of symmetrically arrayed interconnected U-shaped member structures. Preferred support frames are tubular structures enclosing a longitudinal axis and including a plurality of U-shaped member structures facing a distal or a proximal end of the support frame. Each U-shaped member structure may be connected to a single longitudinally adjacent U-shaped member facing in an opposite longitudinal direction, as well as two laterally adjacent U-shaped members.