Abstract: A pre-crystalline intraocular implant adapted to be implanted between the front face of the crystalline lens and the iris. It comprises an optical part (31) and a haptic part. The haptic part comprises a haptic ring (32) surrounding the optical part (31), a peripheral band (34) and branches (33) linking the haptic ring (32) and the peripheral band (34). The rear face of the implant comprises a central portion with spherical surface having a first radius, a second annular spherical portion having a radius greater that the first radius and a third concentric portion with spherical surface having a radius greater than the second radius. The invention is useful for correcting ametropia of a phakic eye.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stent for implantation in a body lumen. The stent is formed from stent preforms. Each stent preform includes an elongated metal core, an outer sheath disposed about the core, and caps disposed on the ends of the outer sheath. The outer sheath and caps encapsulate the metal core to prevent the core from directly contacting the body lumen. In an alternative embodiment, an intermediate sleeve is disposed between the core and outer sheath. In another embodiment, a cover or coating may be disposed about the outer sheath.

Abstract: Intervertebral cages, and methods of introducing the same, require few, if any, structural components within the cage itself, thereby providing a maximum volume for bone-graft filler. Cages according to the invention may passively expand to fill a volume within the disk space, or active expansion means may be provided. In terms of a passive expansion, at least a portion of the frame may be composed of a shape-memory material, causing the cage to naturally expand from the compressed to the expanded state once the cage is positioned within the intervertebral space. In either case, locking means are provided to maintain the shape of the cage once in position. An alternative embodiment includes first and second components, each having a compressed state which consumes a compressed volume associated with insertion of the component into an intervertebral space, and an expanded state which consumes a greater volume when the component is positioned within the intervertebral space.

Abstract: A stent (10) formed from cannula and having flexible segments (11) and high hoop strength segments (12) alternating therealong. Axial tie bars (21,22) interconnect the segments; minimal length reduction would occur upon expansion. In the high hoop strength segment (12), struts (16) are initially parallel in the unexpanded strut condition, while in the flexible segment (11), struts (14) extend from a respective bight (15) to converge at distal ends when unexpanded. In one embodiment, certain adjacent struts (16) of the hoop segment are spaced apart by a large gap (20) while others are spaced apart by a small gap (18). In another embodiment all the struts (16) of the hoop segment are spaced apart uniformly from each other (or from an axial tie bar) by a small gap (23), resulting in minimizing the occurrence of fatigue of high-stress sites upon expansion/contraction cycles from continuous pulsatile events.

Abstract: A lordotic implant has a frusto-conical shape with external threads. Prior to placement of the implant, vertebrae are distracted in a manner to provide a desired lordosis between the vertebrae. The pre-distracted vertebrae are then tapped to provide a tapped bore having a geometry matching the conical geometry of the implant. The threaded implant is then placed within the pre-tapped conical bore.

Abstract: A foldable intraocular lens with an iris diaphragm (2) for covering an aniridia. The iris diaphragm can thus be based upon a natural iris. The diaphragm essentially comprises a film, printed with a pigment, provided with a sealing layers and completely embedded in the transparent lens material.

Abstract: A stent consisting of at least two parts in juxtaposition, one part being of self-expandable characteristics while the other part is balloon expandable.

Abstract: A spinal implant is provided to integrate with and support vertebrae in a vertebral column. The spinal implant includes a body and a mineralized, bioactive surface coating chemically bonded to a portion of the body. The coating includes a non-hydroxyl containing carbonated calcium phosphate bone mineral nano-crystalline apatite with chemically adsorbed water having a crystal size less than about 1 &mgr;m. The body of the spinal implant is ring-shaped and defines a central passageway.

Abstract: A tubular intraluminal prosthesis includes a PTFE or ePTFE tubular structure such as a graft, and a tubular diametrically deformable stent circumferentially surrounding the tubular structure. The diametrically deformable stent includes a polymeric coating which allows for attachment to the tubular graft structure and enhances the biocompatibility and integrity of the composite prosthesis.

Abstract: Artificial disc augmentation for natural intervertebral discs using a solution of polymers. Once inserted into the disc the polymers crosslink to form hydrogels in vivo. Crosslinking of the polymers is activated by changes in temperature, pH, or ionic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for treating biological tissue. The treatment comprise implanting a scaffold implant device into in combination with a therapeutic material such as cells, tissue or cell components. The scaffold device serves to hold the therapeutic material at the treatment site, protecting it from being squeezed out by surrounding tissue. Additionally the scaffold device is believed to trigger an injury response that leads to angiogenesis in the tissue, which provides blood flow and nutrients to the associated therapeutic material to sustain it for a therapeutically effective amount of time. The devices may also be implanted at a tissue site already treated with a therapeutic material to initiate angiogenesis at the treatment site to sustain the material. The devices and methods also may be used to treat tumors with a necrosis factor.

Abstract: An implantable microporous ePTFE tubular vascular graft exhibits long term patency, superior radial tensile strength and suture hole elongation resistance. The graft includes a first ePTFE tube and a second ePTFE tube circumferentially disposed over the first tube. The first ePTFE tube exhibits a porosity sufficient to promote cell endothelization, tissue ingrowth and healing. The second ePTFE tube exhibits enhanced radial strength in excess of the radial tensile strength of the first tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a prosthetic valve and a sewing cuff assembly for attaching the prosthetic valve in a patient's heart. The suture cuff generally includes at least one lock ring and sewing cuff material disposed at least partially around the lock ring. The valve body includes a peripheral groove for receiving the lock ring therein and securing the lock ring thereto. A stiffening ring may be coupled to the peripheral groove or otherwise provided on the valve body.

Abstract: An endoluminal device including a prosthesis and at least one indicator member affixed to the prosthesis that can be remotely monitored to indicate a change in pressure or morphology of the prosthesis. The indicator member may be an optical fiber, a strain gauge, or a first material having a first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) susceptibility value that contrasts with a second MRI susceptibility value of a second material that comprises one or more remaining members of the prosthesis. A prosthesis monitoring system includes an endoluminal device as well as a subcutaneous electronics package and external electronics. Methods of detecting endoleaks or changes in morphology involve implanting an endoluminal device with the indicator and detecting information from the indicator.

Abstract: A stent for use at an implant site in a vessel having recesses containing one or more active agents. The stent is a tubular body having a plurality of sinusoidal shaped annular elements and connection elements. The recesses are formed so as to leave substantially unaltered the bending moments of these elements. The recesses may be continuous or discontinuous and may be distributed uniformly or nonuniformly.

Abstract: A stent includes a first stent section, a second stent section, and at least one connecting member. The connecting member has a first end attached to the first stent section, a second end attached to the second stent section and a physically separable portion.

Abstract: Open chambered spacers, implanting tools and methods are provided. The spacers 500′ include a body 505′ having a wall 506′ which defines a chamber 530′ and an opening 531′ in communication with the chamber 530′. In one embodiment the wall 506′ includes a pair of arms 520′, 521′ facing one another and forming a mouth 525′ to the chamber 530′. Preferably, one of the arms 520′ is truncated relative to the other, forming a channel 526. In one aspect the body 505′ is a bone dowel comprising an off-center plug from the diaphysis of a long bone. The tools 800 include spacer engaging means for engaging a spacer and occlusion means for blocking an opening defined in the spacer. In some embodiments, the occlusion means 820 includes a plate 821 extendable from the housing 805.

Abstract: The present invention provides intra ocular lenses that have a refractive index gradient. Additionally, the lenses of the invention may be customized to correct the ocular wave front aberrations of a particular individual.

Abstract: A two-optic accommodative lens system. The first lens has a negative power and is located posteriorly against the posterior capsule. The periphery of the first optic contains a pair of clasps. The second optic is located anteriorly to the first optic and is of a positive power. The peripheral edge of the second optic contains a pair of locking arms that fit into the clasps contained on the periphery of the first optic to lock the second optic onto the first optic, but allow for rotation of the arms within the clasps. Hinge structures on the locking arms allow the second optic to move relative to the first optic along the optical axis of the lens system in reaction to movement of the ciliary muscle.

Abstract: Presbyopia is more effectively corrected by techniques and implants designed to exert an inwardly-directed force on the ciliary body. The force is preferably either perpendicular to the optical axis, or generally perpendicular wherein the zonular plexus is deflected inwardly approximately along an axis bisecting the angle described by the anterior zonular fibers when viewed in a horizontal plane.